July 11. Rep. Jim McGovern [D-Mass] today introduced a measure requiring a House vote on Iraq under the War Powers Resolution today, forcing the Republican leadership to take action within fifteen days or face an up-or-down vote which might curb the administration’s escalating military intervention in the civil war.
“We are trying to signal to the House leadership that we have a constitutional responsibility on questions of war and peace”, McGovern said this morning. “It’s all to easy to let things drift. When Congress goes on recess in August, there could be more American troops authorized, or a US bombing. John Boehner doesn’t want a debate on Iraq. He’s rather sit back. There’s a fear that a majority will say they don’t want a war.”
McGovern’s measure is co-authored by Rep. Barbara Lee [D-Oakland] and Rep. Walter Jones [R-NC]. Lee has been circulating a House letter calling for application of the War Powers Resolution. The new measure contains a trigger that is hard to avoid. McGovern is seeking co-authors on his proposal while the clock is running.
For more info: http://mcgovern.house.gov/
And here’s the separate YouTube video of Rep. McGovern’s speech on the House floor:
