Nearly 15 years ago, I cast the lone vote against the authorization for use of military force. The authorization was a blank check for any president to wage endless war and it has been used to justify war in 14 countries since 2001.
It is Congress's responsibility to oversee our nation's wars and national security. But for far too long, Congress has refused to debate military intervention, allowing endless war to continue.
That is why I have a plan to force Congress to debate sending our servicemen and women into dangerous war zones.
Last week I introduced an amendment to the Pentagon's spending bill to restore congressional oversight by restricting funding for the war authorization.
It is way past time for this debate. No president should have unchecked power to wage war and put our dedicated servicemen and women in danger. Congress must debate war, its costs and its consequences.
If we are going to send our troops overseas, members of Congress must have the courage to vote on it. Otherwise, it's nothing but cowardice.
Onwards,
Barbara Lee
No comments:
Post a Comment