On the recordDecember 4, 2012
Before Congress adjourns, this House will vote on my resolution of inquiry about the U.S.' use of drones. The vote will not be about the thousands of deaths of innocent civilians caused by drones, though that's important. It won't be about whether the drones are creating more terrorism. It won't be a vote to stop the killing of American citizens without due process guaranteed by the Constitution. It won't be about whether our ongoing use of drones constitutes violations of the Constitution and violations of international law. The vote will, however, be about something fundamental. We will determine whether or not Congress has the power to require the administration to release their still secret legal justification to use drones. In matters of the Constitution, in matters of war, ``trust us'' is neither sufficient legally, constitutionally, nor is it morally acceptable. I urge Members of the House to reclaim Congress' constitutional imperative by supporting H. Res. 819, the resolution of inquiry demanding the White House produce its legal justification for drone strikes. ____________________
