Political Quotes

“Let me thank Congressman Schiff for offering this amendment. As this body knows, I have been offering an amendment to repeal the Authorization for Use of Military Force for many, many years. Congressman Schiff, this is such an important--a very important amendment, which is critical to stopping this endless war. Unfortunately, the Rules Committee refused to allow my bipartisan amendment, taken from my bill, the War Authorization Review and Determination Act, to even be considered. For those who were not here on that sorrowful day, just 3 days after 9/11, let me just read from that short sentence--one sentence, mind you--that passed the House with just 1 hour of debate, with 420 ayes and one no. The President is authorized to use all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations, or persons he determines planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001. I voted against this resolution. Of course, it was the most difficult vote of my career, but I knew then what I know now. It was too broad, and it is open-ended. Unfortunately, the Republican leadership has allowed a mere--what is it--10 minutes now to debate this serious and dangerous authorization. Supporting this amendment would be an important step to ensuring that the President does not have a blank check to conduct endless war. Congress must exercise its constitutional authority.”