Progressive Lawmakers Launch the ‘End the Forever War’ Pledge

Veterans group seeks backing of lawmakers to end wars

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) are the latest lawmakers to endorse the “End the Forever War” pledge being offered by veterans group Common Defense.

The open letter was issued just over a week ago by the group. Already eight lawmakers who have endorsed the plan, three senators and five members of the House of Representatives. They are predominantly progressives so far, including two presidential candidates in Sen. Sanders and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).

The open letter describes the “Forever War” as the open-ended war that the US has been engaged in since 2001, and seeks pledges of lawmakers of all political stripes to reclaim Congress’ historical oversight of war and end the conflicts.

Those wishing to contact their Representatives can find contact information here, and those who want to contact their Senators can find that information here. Calling early on this Common Defense initiative may be important, as such letters tend to retain their momentum only so long as they continue to attract new signatories.

Author: Jason Ditz

Jason Ditz is Senior Editor for Antiwar.com. He has 20 years of experience in foreign policy research and his work has appeared in The American Conservative, Responsible Statecraft, Forbes, Toronto Star, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Providence Journal, Washington Times, and the Detroit Free Press.