Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Senator Webb is not playing by the rules

You know... the rules that Bush and Cheney worked so hard to set up where the Senate and the House can have as many earmarks and special projects as they want with a three day work week, raises once a year, and no vetoes ...just so long as they don't step out of line and demand the White House be accountable for anything....

Apparently Senator Webb did not get the memo:

Dear Secretary Rice:

During your appearance before a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on January 11, 2007, I asked you a question pertaining to the administration’s policy regarding possible military action against Iran. I asked, “Is it the position of this administration that it possesses the authority to take unilateral action against Iran, in the absence of a direct threat, without congressional approval?”

At that time you were loath to discuss questions of presidential authority, but you committed to provide a written answer. Since I have not yet received a reply, the purpose of this letter is to reiterate my interest in your response.

This is, basically, a “yes” or “no” question regarding an urgent matter affecting our nation’s foreign policy. Remarks made by members of this administration strongly suggest that the administration wrongly believes that the 2002 joint resolution authorizing use of force in Iraq can be applied in other instances, such as in the case of Iran. I, as well as the American people, would benefit by fully understanding the administration’s unequivocal response.

I would appreciate your expeditious reply and look forward to discussing this issue with you in the near future.

Sincerely,

James Webb
United States Senator

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I like Jim Webb more and more. I suspect Condi will "file" this letter away.

ellroon said...

You're right. I wonder whether they have a timer to tell them when it can become safely 'historical'....