REP. BARBARA LEE’S (D-CA) VOTES ON LEGISLATION REGARDING THE TERRORIST
ATTACKS OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
September 17, 2001
On Wednesday, September 12, the day after the attacks, I voted in favor of H. J. Res. 61, which condemns the terrorist attacks, extends our deepest condolences to the victims and their families, commends the heroic efforts of the rescue workers, supports the President in punishing the perpetrators of the attacks, and states that September 12 will be a national day of unity and mourning.
On Thursday, September 13, I voted in favor of H. Con. Res. 225, which expresses the sense of Congress that Americans should fly the American flag; in favor of H.R. 2882, which will expedite payments of benefits to families of public safety officers killed or injured in the attacks; and in favor of H.R. 2884, which provides tax relief to the victims of the attacks.
On Friday, September 14, I voted in favor of H.R. 2888, which provides $40 billion in emergency funding for increased public safety, anti-terrorism activities, disaster recovery efforts, and assistance for the victims of this tragedy.
On Friday, September 14, I voted against H. J. Res. 64, which ceded Congress’s future authority to the President regarding the use of military force in response to the terrorist attacks. Our Constitution provides for checks and balances between our branches of government. This resolution does not obligate the President to report back to Congress after 60 days, as was required by Congress during the Gulf War, about the actions our military will take. Additionally, this resolution authorizes an open-ended action and significantly reduces Congress’s authority in this matter. We must bring the perpetrators of this horrific action to justice. But during this period of grief, mourning, and anger, the U.S. Congress has a responsibility to urge the use of restraint so that the violence does not spiral out of control and to consider all of the implications of our actions.
Attached is a copy of my floor statement from September 14 on H. J. Res. 64, the resolution authorizing the use of force.
BILLS REP. LEE HAS COSPONSORED:
1) A resolution condemning bigotry, racism and violence against Arab Americans, American Muslims, and Americans from South Asia following the terrorist attacks. Soon to be introduced by Rep. Bonior (D-MI).
2) The Spirit of America Commemorative Coin Act, which commemorates the victims of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Soon to be introduced by Reps. Engel (D-NY) and Watts (R-OK).
house.gov
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