Barbara Lee: “I want to thank the gentleman for his leadership and for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to…”

“I want to thank the gentleman for his leadership and for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 3979, the National Defense Authorization Act. Congress is considering extending the authority to train and equip Syrian rebels, despite the fact that we have not yet had a debate and a vote on an authorization for use of military force against ISIS; in other words, we are digging ourselves into an unauthorized war. Congress is, once again, rushing into another war and allowing the executive to rely on the blank check of 2001. That is why, quite frankly, I voted against the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force, which was for perpetual war. I have consistently called for its repeal and for the repeal of the 2002 AUMF against Iraq. All of us agree that ISIS is a global threat and must be addressed, but that does not mean that we replace one blank check with another. The American people deserve to know the costs and consequences of engaging in another long-term war in the Middle East. That is why I have called and will continue to call for Congress to live up to its constitutional responsibility and have a full debate on an authorization for any use of military force in Iraq or Syria. The American people want us to do our job. Unfortunately, once again, Congress is getting us off of the hook. This bill expands our involvement in an unauthorized war. I urge a ``no'' vote. Mr. McKEON. Mr.…”