If Increased Sanction Resolution, 362, Could Give Bush License for a Naval Blockade Why Support It?

This is one of the questions raised in my conversation with Congressman Robert Wexler. Rabbi Michael Lerner, editor of Tikkun magazine, weighs in as well. GOP Congressman Wayne Gilchrest urges his colleagues to vote against Res.362 and Rep. Rob Andrews (D-NJ) warns of Naval adventures in the Persian Gulf used as a pretext for an attack on Iran. What is the future of 362, a resolution that activists have dubbed "The Iran War Resolution?"

[note: See updates at end of article] 

Yet, there is strong bipartisan support for this resolution with 220 cosponsors as of June 29. The Senate version, S. Res. 580, currently boasts 32 cosponsors. In fact, in a truthout report by Maya Schenwar and Matt Renner, a Pelosi staffer is quoted as saying this resolution will "pass like a hot knife through butter."

During the Rob Kall Radio Show on June 25, Congressman Robert Wexler (D-FL) graciously took time from discussing his new book, "Fire Breathing Liberal" and his push for impeachment inquiries to address concerns that were being raised regarding this resolution that he, himself, cosponsored.

The issue at hand was the language in the resolution that "demands that the President initiate an international effort to immediately and dramatically increase the economic, political, and diplomatic pressure on Iran to verifiably suspend its nuclear enrichment activities, by inter alia, prohibiting the export to Iran of all refined petroleum products; imposing stringent inspection requirements on all persons, vehicles, ships, planes, trains and cargo entering or departing Iran; and prohibiting the international movement of all Iranian officials not involved in negotiating the suspension of Iran’s nuclear program."

Confession: I had to look up inter alia to find that it means "among other things."

As an invited caller, I shared with Congressman Wexler my experience the prior evening. I read the passage above to a group attending a lecture by Dr. Bob Bowman, Lt. Colonel, USAF, ret, a fighter pilot in Vietnam, who also directed the DoD "Star Wars" programs under Ford and Carter. Bowman is on a speaking tour to restore the Constitution and hold the Bush administration accountable through impeachment.

As I read from Res. 362, a collective groan rose from the audience as people scrambled for pen and paper to take down the information. Dr. Bowman declared it was something we had to fight. He paused and reflected before stating, "It cuts very close to being a declaration of war."

In response to this, Rep. Wexler offered, "Let me start by just creating a foundation from my view which is that I intensely distrust President Bush particularly as it relates to the use of military force."

He went on to state that, "We have a responsibility to prevent President Bush from unilaterally attacking Iran similar to what he did, of course, with Iraq." This is the reason, he added, that he is also a cosponsor of H.R. 3119. This resolution prohibits the use of funds for military operations in Iran without prior authorization by Congress.

Congressman Wexler explained that "Resolution 3119 could not be clearer in indicating that Congress will not give Mr. Bush a blank check and that we support a policy of engagement rather than military force."

Researching H.R. 3119 immediately following Wednesday’s interview found that it was introduced one year ago and has gained little traction with only 29 cosponsors - all Democrats. Three more names, including Rep. Wexler’s, were added on June 26 bringing the total count to 32. At this point, H.R. 3119, legislation that has not passed, really serves as no deterrent.

In detailing his reason for supporting 362, Mr. Wexler remarked "I signed on to the resolution you spoke about initially because I believe and I still do, although I understand your concern and I respect it, that 362 called for enhanced economic - as you read - economic, political, and diplomatic sanctions."

In respect to the language that follows that calls for President Bush to "prohibit the export to Iran of all refined petroleum products," and begin "stringent inspection requirements on all persons, vehicles," etc. entering or departing Iran, Congressman Wexler contended that the resolution "makes no reference whatsoever to the use of military force, it makes no reference, of course, to any language that would support an embargo. Although, again, I want to point out that I understand your concern and I understand your reluctance because it is strong language."

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