Trying to Stop the Bush Butchers' Bloodbaths

US lawmakers demand Bush ask Congress before invading Iran

WASHINGTON (AFP) - A resolution introduced in the US House of Representatives calls on President George W. Bush to obtain approval from Congress before using military force against Iran.

The bill, introduced by longtime Iraq war critic Walter Jones (news, bio, voting record), a Republican, and five other US lawmakers calls on the president obtain authorization for an attack on Iran, unless the United States or US interests are attacked first.

Supporters said the legislation would prevent the United States from becoming embroiled in another intractable war like the one raging in Iraq.

"Congress will not stand by idly -- it won't be railroaded into another war that will only make America and the world less safe," Democratic Representative Martin Meehan said at a press conference Thursday.

He said recent administration statements and military maneuvers point to an imminent attack on Iran.

"The indications of the initial saber-rattling are everywhere," Meehan said.

"I'm not here to tell you that I trust Iran, but I am here to say that I don't trust the administration," Meehan said.

Bush announced last week he had ordered a second US aircraft carrier battle group to the Gulf and announced the deployment of a Patriot missile defense battalion to the region to protect allies against potential Iranian missile strikes.

And in a speech unveiling his new strategy for Iraq, the US president also vowed to "seek out and destroy" any networks funneling weapons or fighters from Syria or Iran into Iraq.

Those moves have fed speculation that a US attack might be imminent, despite the administration's repeated denials.

"There is a growing concern -- justified or not -- that some US officials are contemplating military action against Iran," Jones said, adding that an invasion of Iran would flout the US Constitution.

"If the President is contemplating committing our blood and treasure in another war, then he and his administration must make the case to Congress and the American people why it would be in the national security interests of the United States to engage militarily in Iran," Jones said.

Original article posted here.