ACTiON ALERT: Tell Congress to Repeal the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force

Since 2001, the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) has given presidents blank checks for endless war, exacerbated humanitarian crises, and justified military force in 30 countries over 18 years. As the only member of Congress to vote against the overly broad 2001 AUMF, Barbara has been fighting every single day to repeal this reckless policy ever since.

“I Received Death Threats”

Hon. Barbara Lee / US House of Representatives

(September 14, 2019) — On this day in 2001, I was the only member of Congress to vote no on the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF).

420-1.

That’s an intimidating number. After my vote, I received death threats and needed around-the-clock bodyguards. I was labeled “anti-American.” I was vilified in the press.

But I never backed down. 

I’m proud of my vote. I hope I’ve made you proud too.

Even then, I saw what the AUMF would become. It has allowed presidents to declare war whenever they want, exacerbate humanitarian crises, and justify military force in 30 countries over 18 years without Congressional oversight.

We’ve all seen the damage that a blank check for endless war can do. It ruins cities, destroys economies, and takes hundreds of thousands of innocent lives, most of them children.

The 2001 AUMF gives an unstable man like Trump unchecked power for endless war. I don’t even want to imagine the damage Trump and his hawkish henchmen could cause if they recklessly drag us into military conflict.

Make no mistake: this is a dangerous moment for our country.

I’ve written multiple amendments to sunset the AUMF and stop endless war for good. We’ve seen the devastating consequences the AUMF has caused and it’s time to take the power of declaring war out of a single person’s hands and put it back in the hands of the 535-member Congress.

ACTION: That’s why, on the anniversary of my vote against the AUMF, I’m asking you to support me. Please, if you agree that we need to stop endless war and sunset the AUMF, sign your name here.

ACTION ALERT: Tell Congress to ‘Support the Four Demands’ in the National Defense Authorization Act

Seattle Indivisible

(September 13, 2019) —Today we need you to amplify our four demands for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This might sound really boring, but hear us out. This is our best shot to stop or reduce harm in some key areas of our government. The NDAA funds the military and the Department of Defense, which means this is one bill Mitch McConnell can’t simply ignore. And, as chair of the House Armed Services Committee, Adam Smith is the lead negotiator seeking to reconcile the House and Senate versions of the NDAA.

Thanks in large part to Adam Smith’s leadership, the House version of the NDAA contains a number of progressive provisions: from prohibiting diversion of funds to a border wall and reversing the military transgender ban, to stopping arm sales to the Saudis who have been using US munitions to bomb hospitals, schools and other civilian targets in Yemen.

Congressman Smith met with us in person in August and on Wednesday we sent him a follow-up letter, outlining Seattle Indivisible’s NDAA priorities that we want him to stand firm on as he negotiates with the Senate. Our four priorities are:

1. No use of funds for a border wall.
2. No US involvement in Yemen hostilities or related assistance to Saudi Arabia/UAE.
3. Overturn the military transgender ban.
4. Repeal the 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF).

Today’s Action: Ask Congressman Smith to stand firm on our progressive priorities

If you live in Pramila Jayapal’s district, please call her and ask her to talk with Congressman Smith.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal: DC – 202-225-3106 Seattle – 206-674-0040

Sample Script:

Hi, my name is (NAME) and I live in (CITY, ZIP). I’m calling to ask the Congresswoman to speak with Representative Adam Smith about ensuring the National Defense Authorization Act meets our progressive priorities: no border wall, no arms sales to Saudi Arabia, overturn the transgender ban, and repeal the 2001 AUMF.

If you live in Adam Smith’s district:

Rep. Adam Smith: DC – 202-225-8901 Renton – 425-793-5180

Sample Script:

Hi, my name is (NAME) and I live in {CITY, ZIP}. I’m calling to ask the Congressman to stand strong on National Defense Authorization Act negotiations, and ensure the final bill contains four progressive priorities: no border wall, no arms sales to Saudi Arabia, overturn the transgender ban, and repeal the 2001 AUMF.

Please remember to log your calls here so we can gauge our impact: https://goo.gl/forms/lbHUvI9h58f0dLqx1

Background

If you are a member of our Facebook group, you can learn more here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SeattleIndivisible/permalink/892975647742107/ Lawmakers aim to twist Trump’s arm on Yemen — and check his cozy ties to Saudi Arabia: https://www.vox.com/2019/9/10/20849004/trump-yemen-war-saudi-arabia-mbs-ndaa