Congresswoman Barbara Lee Recognizes the 23rd Anniversary of Her Lone Vote Against the 2001 AUMF

Congresswoman Barbara Lee Recognizes the 23rd Anniversary of Her Lone Vote Against the 2001 AUMF

WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) released the following statement on the 23rd anniversary of her vote against the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Congresswoman Lee was the only member of Congress to vote against the measure.

"Today marks the 23^rd anniversary of the post-9/11 AUMF, a blank check to deploy U.S. military personnel anywhere in the world without congressional oversight. As a member of the clergy so eloquently said then, 'As we act, let us not become the evil that we deplore.' Yet, that is exactly what we did.

"Over two decades later, Congress continues to abdicate its constitutional responsibility to debate and vote on matters of war and peace while young men and women continue to risk their lives for this country. I opposed this blank check then, and I oppose it today.

"Congress must reckon with the reality that gross inequity and institutionalized violence is far too prevalent in our society. It is time we reconceptualize how we build security both at home and abroad while we fight to uphold the wellbeing and dignity of all people.

"We must focus on broad reforms to end our government's ability to do harm in the world - such as by repealing the AUMFs and publicly debating any use of military force.

"Congress owes it to the American people - and our brave men and women in uniform - to repeal this blank check for war, to restore our basic checks and balances, and to uphold our constitutional duty. I will not stop in this effort and look forward to the day when we repeal the 2001 AUMF."