Barbara Lee: “First of all, let me thank Chairman Engel for yielding and also for his leadership. Also, I want to just mention…”

“First of all, let me thank Chairman Engel for yielding and also for his leadership. Also, I want to just mention Congressmen Khanna, Pocan, and McGovern. I want to also thank them in addition to Chairman Engel for bringing this critical measure to the floor. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of S.J. Res. 7, which, of course, is a joint resolution directing the removal of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in Yemen. This critical resolution, which we are taking now for the second time this Congress, would end America's unconstitutional participation in the war in Yemen. Since 2015, the United States has participated in the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen without authorization from Congress. We have helped create and worsen the world's greatest and largest humanitarian crisis. Madam Speaker, 22.2 million Yemenis--that is 75 percent of the population--needs humanitarian assistance. {time} 1000 At least 85,000 children under the age of 5--85,000--have died from war-related hunger and disease. Our involvement in this war is shameful. That is why this bipartisan and bicameral measure to end the United States' unconstitutional role in this war is so important. Yes, Madam Speaker, I voted against that 2001 resolution, because I knew it was open-ended and would set the stage for endless wars. It was a blank check. We see this once again today in Yemen. We must repeal this 2001 blank check for endless wars.…”