Political Quotes

“First of all, let me say I don't know how much time--how much more time the opposition to this amendment wants to see this authorization on the books and continue to fund it. There is no reason that a 13-year authorization should continue to be funded. I just want to read you this, as I close, what this authorization said 13 years ago, which totally has abdicated our constitutional responsibility and authority as Members of Congress. We are abdicating our constitutional authority by not going back to the drawing board and debating any further efforts as it relates to military force. The President is authorized to use all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations, or persons he deems planned, authorized, and aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11. That is 2001. Again, the Congressional Research Service has cited 30 instances. We know there are more. Once again, we need to come back and have a debate. We need to talk about how far removed now we are from 2001. If we think this needs to be brought up to date, bring it up to date, but we definitely need to stop the funding. I yield back the balance of my time.”