WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement after a US airstrike on Baghdad airport killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani and other Iranian officials:
“The airstrike and killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani and other senior Iranian military officials without Congressional authorization is a dangerous escalation of tensions with Iran that brings us close to the brink of war.
“Since day one, Trump and his war hawk administration have shunned diplomacy by ending the effective Iran nuclear deal, and have had no real strategy or plan to replace it.
“The Trump Administration has acted without any consultation with Congress or an authorization to use military force. It is beyond clear that Congress must act urgently to repeal the 2001 and 2002 Authorization of the Use of Military Force (AUMF). My amendment to repeal the 2002 AUMF was included in the House-passed FY2020 NDAA, but stripped by Republicans from the final bill.
“We must work to prevent further military action in the region. We have known for years that there is no military solution, and it’s past time to return to a diplomatic strategy with our allies. We must protect our national security, our brave troops, our allies, and the American people.”