Dear Gegi,
On the Senate floor today, Hillary said that President Bush will not be allowed to use force against Iran without the explicit authorization of Congress. With Bush shunning diplomacy and engaging in reckless posturing, she said, it is time for Congress to step up and take a strong oversight role.
Here is what Hillary said:
President Bush must not be allowed to act without the authority and oversight of Congress. It would be a mistake of historical proportion if the Administration thought that the 2002 resolution authorizing force against Iraq was a blank check for the use of force against Iran without further Congressional authorization. Nor should the President think that the 2001 resolution authorizing force after the terrorist attacks of 9/11, in any way, authorizes force against Iran. If the Administration believes that any, any use of force against Iran is necessary, the President must come to Congress to seek that authority.
For six years, the Republican Congress failed in its duty to provide genuine, vigorous oversight of Bush's actions. The result has been a disaster in Iraq: incompetent execution, military contracting abuses, inadequate supplies of body armor and armored vehicles, and a loss of confidence among our allies and the American people.
"We cannot and must not allow recent history to repeat itself," Hillary said. "We continue to experience the consequences of unchecked presidential action."
Iran does pose a threat to our allies and interests in the Middle East, she said, and we must be prepared to use all our assets -- diplomatic, military, economic, and cultural -- to deal with that threat. But Congress must use its oversight to restore America's role as a respected leader in the world.
We want to know what you think. Please take a moment to read Hillary's speech on the floor of the Senate.
http://www.hillaryclinton.com/news/speech/view/?id=1328
Then share your thoughts with us about the role Congress must play to make sure that President Bush doesn't repeat history.
http://www.hillaryclinton.com/iran
Sincerely,
Peter Daou
Internet Director
Hillary for President Exploratory Committee
