Congress Grows A Pair, But Not Really
Yesterday, the House passed a resolution denouncing the president’s plan for a troop increase in Iraq. The vote was 246 - 182. Seventeen Republicans voted for the resolution, and two Democrats voted against it.
Not that it really matters. Yesterday’s and today’s resolutions are non-binding, meaning it does nothing but “send a message.” Don’t get me wrong, it’s great that Congress is at least debating the issue of Iraq, but if they were serious about going against the president’s troop surge they would exercise their constitutional right of de-funding those troops. Congress actually has constitutional rights, despite what you may believe. I know, it’s easy to get confused when Congress seemingly gives away its powers to the president.
I know they don’t want to be criticized for not “supporting the troops”, but if those troops aren’t funded, they will not be put in Iraq.
So there is one thing that I agree on with the Republicans who are against this resolution. It seems pointless. It’s like when a parent knows what their child is doing is wrong, but decides not to stop him because they feel strongly about letting their children make their own mistakes and hopefully learn from them. So Congress tells the president that they think he is wrong, but they’re not prepared to stop him. As powerful and compelling as that is, I don’t think it’s going to inspire much change.
Iraq, war, resolution, congress, house, senate
February 28th, 2007 at 11:14 pm
Very nice site! Good work.