Barbara Lee: "Because the reality is there is no military solution in Iraq."

Washington, D.C. –Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee introduced four amendments to the 2015 Department of Defense appropriations bill to prevent a war in Iraq, prevent future funding for combat operations in Afghanistan and to prevent funding for the Authorization of Use of Military Force (AUMF).

“We must not let history repeat itself in Iraq. Because the reality is there is no military solution in Iraq. This is a sectarian war with long standing roots that were flamed when we invaded Iraq in 2003. And, after more than a decade of war, thousands of American lives lost, and billions of dollars spent, the American people oppose another military escalation in the Middle East. Further, any lasting solution must be political and take into account respect for the entire Iraqi population.”

The specific amendments include:

No funding for combat operations in Iraq

Consistent with the President’s assurances that he will not send U.S. troops back into combat in Iraq, this amendment clarifies no funding in the bill can be used for combat operations. None of the funds made available by this Act may be used for deploying members of the Armed Forces on the ground in Iraq for purposes of engaging in combat operations.

No funding for 2002 Iraq AUMF

This amendment prohibits funding for the use of force pursuant to the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force in Iraq. The FY2015 DOD Appropriations bill does not include funding for operations pursuant to the Iraq AUMF. None of the funds made available under this Act may be obligated or expended pursuant to the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002. .......................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://lee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/congresswoman-barbara-lee-introduces-amendments-to-prevent-war-in-iraq