Tim Kaine: “very briefly, as I know we are about to begin the vote, the Paul amendment is just one that is based on a sentiment that…”

“very briefly, as I know we are about to begin the vote, the Paul amendment is just one that is based on a sentiment that I think many of us agree with--that the 2001 authorization needs revision. He proposes to repeal it but not for 6 months, giving us time to do the revision. I would vote against it but would look forward to working with him and others and the administration to find out what an appropriate revision should be. I don't think we should leave a gap. With respect to the Graham amendment--a colleague who is a good friend--the President has the ability to take action against Iranian- backed militias in Iraq. The President is doing that every day, not based on the 2002 authorization. I agree with my colleague from New Jersey in that this is a debate about ending a war authorization that has gone on for 20 years, not on the floor, without committee action, coming up with a new authorization against a new enemy. If we need to do that, we can discuss it in committee. The good news is that the President has article II power to defend against Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and is doing it every day. With that, I would urge a ``no'' vote on both the Graham and Paul amendments. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Kentucky. Amendment No. 2”