House Democrats advanced three provisions today that would broadly curtail President Donald Trump’s ability to conduct offensive military action across the Middle East — and the world — should they become law as part of the annual defense spending bill.
Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., introduced all three amendments, which would repeal the 2001 military authorization used as the legal basis for counterterrorism operations throughout the world after eight months, immediately revoke the 2002 authorization to invade Iraq and prohibit the president from using funds to launch offensive military action against Iran. Lee was the only member of Congress to vote against the 2001 authorization, which Congress hastily passed in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks.
“From pulling out of the Iran deal, to moving US carriers to the region, the administration has continued to issue vague threats of military action,” Lee said ahead of the vote series. “It has even floated the idea of using the 2001 Authorization for the use of Military Force (AUMF) as a legal basis to go to war with Iran. Congress cannot allow this to happen, and it’s a stark reminder once again of the danger that using the 2001 AUMF on the books indefinitely could cause another unfortunate war.”
The House Appropriations Committee adopted all three Lee amendments to the defense spending bill over Republican objections before advancing the legislation in a 30-22 party-line vote.
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