WASHINGTON – Representative Barbara Lee (CA-12), Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus Peace and Security Task Force, and Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, applauded the Senate passage of legislation to repeal the 2002 and 1991 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMF). Rep. Lee leads the companion legislation on the House side. They issued the following statement:
“This vote was a major victory in our fight to end forever wars. For decades, the Progressive Caucus has worked to ensure Congress takes back the responsibility to debate military action and put the power to declare war back where it belongs: with the people’s representatives.
“The 2002 AUMF was based on the misguided notion that there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Over a decade after Saddam Hussein’s death and the withdrawal from Iraq, there is absolutely no reason why this authorization should still be on the books, and we applaud Senators Kaine and Young for building momentum in the Senate to finally get this done. Now, it’s on the House to do its job and take up this legislation without delay. Alongside our CPC colleagues and with the support of President Biden, we are fully confident we will finally put an end to this forever war and reassert Congress’ power over war and peace, as the constitution intended.”
