Sam Farr: “before we end this road race to the finish line of H.R. 7, let us stop, look, and listen. This bill takes something that…”

“before we end this road race to the finish line of H.R. 7, let us stop, look, and listen. This bill takes something that is not broken and breaks it. This bill moves from peacekeeping to war making. Where peace exists, this bill creates conflict. Where order reigns, this bill creates chaos. This bill makes false assumptions. It says where we have troops under foreign command, and we all know that the President never relinquishes his command. Where Congress has eliminated spending for star wars, billions of dollars, this bill reinstates it. The Republicans say, ``Spend it.'' The worst part of this bill is to undermine the constitutional role of the President of the United States to conduct foreign policy. It says, ``If you don't like the President, cripple his powers.'' I say to my colleagues, Don't cripple our country. Don't retreat from leadership. Reject this isolationist bill. Mr. Chairman, the bill the Republicans bring before the House today destroys the underpinnings of our country's dedication to peace around the world. By slashing the U.S. commitment to the United Nations, this bill says to the world community: we don't care about maintaining peace. Got a war? That's your problem.…”