Mark Pocan: “Today, I rise in strong support of Representative Barbara Lee's amendment to repeal the 2002 Authorization for Use of…”

“Today, I rise in strong support of Representative Barbara Lee's amendment to repeal the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force in Iraq. We cannot allow this President or any President to use an outdated AUMF intended to address Saddam Hussein to wage unauthorized wars against whatever leader they are upset with on any given day. Because of congressional inaction, the U.S. military is operating in at least 76 countries across the world, and we have spent trillions of dollars on military activities since 9/11, largely on unauthorized wars abroad, when we could be helping people at home, expanding Social Security, ensuring healthcare is a human right, and investing in green jobs and renewable energy. Recently, the President threatened this bill with a veto. It only made the case more clear: Congress must reassert its constitutional authority per Article I, Section 8, to declare war. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support both Representative Ro Khanna's bill to prohibit funding for war with Iran and Representative Lee's efforts to repeal the 2002 AUMF. Mr. McCAUL. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.”