Rep. Miller Opposes Attack on Iran

REP. MILLER OPPOSES ATTACK ON IRAN

U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-Martinez) co-sponsored a bill today to require Congress to verify Bush Administration claims that Iran is supplying deadly weapons technology to insurgents in Iraq and to require the President to seek authorization from Congress if he intends to launch a military action against Iran. H. J. Res. 14 would clarify that no previous act of Congress authorizes the use of U.S. military forces against Iran and would demand that the President receive Congressional authorization prior to engaging in a military conflict with Iran.

Recent reports from the Defense Department outlining the role of Iran in Iraq and recent assertions by President Bush that an elite Iranian military unit is supplying arms to insurgents in Iraq are reminiscent of the buildup to the beginning of the war in Iraq in 2002 and 2003. A number of analysts believe that the U.S. rhetoric and military movements in the region indicate the Bush Administration is building a case for taking military action against Iran.

"Congress has not given the President the authority to take unilateral military action against Iran," said Miller. "I am cosponsoring this resolution to make it clear to President Bush that the authority Congress granted him to go to war in Iraq in 2002 does not extend to Iran. In the absence of a military threat from Iran, the President must seek, and must be granted, congressional authority to go to war against Iran. The Constitution provides the Commander in Chief with the power to conduct wars, but it explicitly states that only Congress has the power to authorize wars."

The bipartisan Resolution, titled "Concerning the use of military force by the United States against Iran," specifically states that "no provision of law enacted before the date of the enactment of this joint resolution shall be construed to authorize the use of U.S. military force against Iran," and "absent a national emergency created by an attack or imminent attack by Iran upon the United States, its territories or possessions or its Armed Forces, the President shall consult with Congress, and receive specific authorization pursuant to law from Congress, prior to initiating military force against Iran."

The resolution is being spearheaded by Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC).

"The President led America into an unjustified and disastrous war in Iraq," Miller said. "America's continued presence in Iraq is fueling the worldwide terrorist network. Rather than seeking yet another endless military conflict in this region, the United States should begin to withdraw its troops from Iraq, initiate intensive political and diplomatic discussions throughout the region, and emphasize our interest in offering economic aid throughout the region."

http://www.house.gov/georgemiller/rel22807Iran.html