Barbara Lee: “First of all, let me thank Congresswoman Omar for introducing this amendment and for her tremendous leadership; also, to…”

“First of all, let me thank Congresswoman Omar for introducing this amendment and for her tremendous leadership; also, to Chairman McGovern, who offered this amendment several years ago when it passed the House with the support of, as Congresswoman Omar said, over 300 Members. Our war in Afghanistan began almost two decades ago. At that time, we drafted, debated, and passed an authorization for Use of Military Force in 3 days. Congress applied no time limit. It gave authority for a mission so broad and vaguely defined that it has essentially created a blank check for 20 years of war. Yes, I was opposed then to that resolution. But, quite frankly, I gain no satisfaction that my fears have been fully justified. But I do think there is a lesson here, and that is that Congress that needs to play a more active role in defining the scope and the timing of how America makes war. Some of my friends will argue against this amendment by saying we cannot tie the hands of the military. I would ask them to look at where we are. When Congress fails to insist on limits and guidelines for our military, the mission gets confused and lost. We have now negotiated an agreement to bring our role in Afghanistan to an end. The President himself has said that he intends to bring our troops home. This amendment will provide the accountability for doing so. It is far past time to bring almost two decades--mind you, two decades--of nonstop war to an end.…”