Barbara Lee: “I thank the Chairman for yielding and also for his consistent leadership on issues of war and peace and making sure that…”

“I thank the Chairman for yielding and also for his consistent leadership on issues of war and peace and making sure that Congress does its job. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of S.J. Res. 68, which is a resolution terminating the use of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran. This critical resolution helps put a check on the administration's reckless and irrational military action against Iran. The American people do not want, nor can we allow, another unnecessary war of choice in the Middle East. This resolution is an important step in our efforts to prevent that from happening. Make no mistake: The assassination of Mr. Soleimani just a few months ago placed us on the brink of war. This did constitute an act of hostility against Iran, and, in fact, injured at least 100 of our brave troops. Also, it hurt our national security and made us less safe. President Trump's continued and reckless military action without congressional approval or authorization caused this crisis. But we are here today to make clear that the President cannot launch a war with Iran without the explicit authorization of Congress. Madam Speaker, we have been down this dangerous path before in Iraq, and we cannot afford another ill-advised, destructive, and costly war in the Middle East. And, yes, I opposed the use of force without congressional authorization during the previous administration. This is not a partisan issue.…”