[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 153 (Thursday, September 13, 2018)]
[House]
[Page H8180]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
17TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 2001 AUMF
(Ms. LEE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow marks the 17th year since Congress
passed the 2001 AUMF, which has become a blank check for endless war. I
would like to read part of the speech I delivered on September 14,
2001, because these words remain true and relevant today.
I said: ``Mr. Speaker, I rise really with a very heavy heart, one
that is filled with sorrow for the families and the loved ones who were
killed and injured this week.
``September 11 changed the world. Our deepest fears now haunt us. Yet
I am convinced that military action will not prevent further acts of
international terrorism against the United States.
``This resolution will pass, although we all know that the President
can wage a war, even without it. However difficult this vote may be,
some of us must urge the use of restraint. Some of us must say, let us
step back for a moment. Let us just pause for a minute and think
through the implications of our actions today, so that this does not
spiral out of control.
``I have agonized over this vote, but I came to grips with it today.
I came to grips with opposing this resolution during the very painful,
yet very beautiful memorial service. As a member of the clergy so
eloquently said, as we act, let us not become the evil that we
deplore.''
Now, 17 years later, I am asking my colleagues to join me in
repealing this overly-broad resolution by cosponsoring H.R. 1229.
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