Taking a stand against unchecked militarism, Congresswoman Barbara Lee introduced a repeal of the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) as an amendment to the Department of Defense appropriations bill. Her amendment, which would sunset the 2001 AUMF after eight months, was passed by the House Appropriations Committee on June 29, 2017.
In response to this vote, FCNL Lobbyist for Human Rights and Civil Liberties Yasmine Taeb made the following statement:
“FCNL applauds the House Appropriations Committee’s bipartisan vote to repeal the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF).
“Over the past sixteen years, the 2001 AUMF has provided three administrations with a blank check for war. Not only does Rep. Lee’s amendment stand as a strong statement against endless warfare, but we hope that it will also promote debate and compel Congress to reckon with its history of inaction on this issue.
“It is long past time for Congress to reclaim its constitutionally-designated authority by setting clear parameters around when and where our nation uses military force.
“We are deeply grateful to Rep. Lee for her relentless advocacy against endless war. Since she first spoke out against this legislation in 2001—the only member of Congress to do so—she has served as a strong, persistent voice for peace on Capitol Hill.
“Coming together across the aisle to support Rep. Lee’s proposal, representatives on the Appropriations Committee clearly prioritized their constitutional responsibilities and the good of the American people over partisan politics. We are particularly heartened by the comments made by Representatives Pete Visclosky (D-IN), Tom Cole (R-OK), Tim Ryan (D-OH), Chris Stewart (R-UT), Scott Taylor (R-VA), and C. A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) in support of Rep. Lee’s amendment, and we thank them for speaking out.
“We look forward to weighing in as this debate moves forward.”
