Thursday 15 February 2007
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday that President Bush lacks the authority to invade Iran without specific approval from Congress, a fresh challenge to the commander in chief on the eve of a symbolic vote critical of his troop buildup in Iraq.
Pelosi, D-Calif., noted that Bush consistently said he supports a diplomatic resolution to differences with Iran "and I take him at his word."
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."
Here's what I would like to say in response.
It is important and good for the Speaker of the House to make such a clear declaration. And I'd like for her to add to this declaration by going on to say something like this:
"The president has no authority to initiate a war with Iran because the Constitution specifically confers on Congress the power to make the decision between war and peace. The president has taken an oath to protect and defend the Constitution. If he were to invade Iran without first getting congressional approval, it would be a violation of his oath of office. It would also be an impeachable offense. And if he invades Iran without the approval of Congress, I myself will introduce a bill of impeachment against President Bush."
