Senate Vote on House Iraq Resolution May Force Debate

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Senate Vote on House Iraq Resolution May Force Debate
by SusanG
Thu Feb 15, 2007

Nice move, Senator Reid:

Reid Schedules Saturday Vote on House's Iraq Resolution

Senate Democratic leaders abruptly switched course in the Iraq war debate today, shelving a complicated non-binding resolution that has run into procedural hurdles, in favor of a House version that simply states Congress's objections to President Bush's troop escalation plan.

Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) this afternoon announced that the Senate would take a rare Saturday vote on whether to consider the House resolution, which is expected to pass that chamber Friday, with some Republican support.

If the Saturday vote succeeds, Reid said he may cancel the upcoming week-long recess, scrambling campaign plans for at least six presidential candidates.

Just look at how that week will be spent if the Saturday vote succeeds:

"We are determined to give our troops and the American people the debate they deserve," Reid said.

In particular, Democrats are calling the bluff of a group of Republican senators who oppose the escalation, but who joined with their GOP leadership to block the earlier Democratic-led resolution from coming to a vote, in an effort to force Democrats to allow a pro-administration measure to be offered.

The Republicans must be scrambling around in a panic at this news. Remember, just two short days ago they were circulating a "Dear Colleague" letter among themselves that clearly stated:

If we let Democrats force us into a debate on the surge or the current situation in Iraq, we lose.

Is this where we say, "Bring it on?"

 

Technorati tags: Iraq, Resolution, Senate, Harry Reid

 

House Speaker Pelosi Tells Bush No Iran Invasion Without Congress Saying 'Yes'

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said today that Mr. Bush does not have the authority to invade Iran without the okay from Congress to do so just one day before the Congress is to vote on a resolution  condemning Bush's  troop escalation in Iraq.    More Below

AP  At the same time, she said, "I do believe that Congress should assert itself, though, and make it very clear that there is no previous authority for the president, any president, to go into Iran."

Bush has asked Congress to approve $100 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Congressional Democrats are hoping to insert provisions that would make it harder for the administration to follow through on its plan to deploy an additional 21,500 combat troops to Iraq.

Murtha also said the measure may be changed to prohibit any military action against Iran without specific congressional approval.

Asked about Murtha's remarks, Pelosi said, "I fully support that." She added that she would propose it as stand-alone legislation if it is not included in the bill that provides more money for the Iraq war.

Bush has said he intends to go ahead with the troop buildup regardless of nonbinding expressions of disapproval in Congress.

But, Pelosi said, "I don't think that the president can completely ignore it."

     Of course, some of the GOP (   Rep. Sam Johnson,   Rep. Geoff Davis )  used the usual, the resolution will hurt the troops moral and will embolden the enemy and that bullshit.

   It must be tough going to be a political party with no vision or common sense for that matter. Thankfully, there are a few Republicans who have come to their senses and have seen this war for what it really is.

 

Technorati tags: House Speaker, Pelosi, Bush, Escalation, Iranian Government, Congress, Rep.Johnson, Rep.Davis