| Dear Melissa, I started my own campaign on CREDO's new site that allows activists to start their own petitions. My petition, which is to Congress, asks the following: Support HR 198 - Repeal of the Authorization for Use of Military Force - legislation that will reexamine and ultimately repeal the flawed blank check authorization to the president to wage war, anywhere at any time.
Now is the time for the U.S. Congress to repeal the overly broad 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force. On September 14, 2001, I was the sole member of either house of Congress to vote against the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force. That misguided resolution is a blank check for war. It has been used to justify activities, such as warrantless surveillance, indefinite detention and the lethal use of drones, that fly in the face of our constitutional values. I am convinced that military engagement with no end in sight actually undermines our long-term national security. This is not who we Americans think we are or who we want to be. This is why I have introduced legislation - HR 198 - that will reexamine and ultimately repeal the flawed blank-check Congressional authorization for the president to wage war anywhere at any time. My bill already has more than a dozen congressional co-sponsors. But a public show of support for this effort is critical now as Congress is getting ready to consider whether to continue the blank check for the executive branch to wage endless war. That's why I'm asking you to sign on as a citizen co-sponsor. Click here to learn more and add your name to my petition to Congress, to ask them to repeal the blank-check authorization of war by supporting HR 198. Thank you for your support. Rep. Barbara Lee | 
