Despite the thousands of phone calls, emails sent by Americans across the country stating opposition to a preemptive strike against Iraq, the U.S. Congress House of Representatives voted 296 to 133 in favor of House Resolution 114 giving Bush war powers. The Senate voted likewise last night, 77-23 for the war. (New York Senators Hillary Clinton and Chuck Shumer voted for the war.) These powers can and may be used even if Iraq complies with inspections and independently of any U.N. Security Council or General Assembly rulings. This resolution gives the United States an official statement for its plans in Iraq to go along with its tradition of unilateral intervention with or without congressional approval.
A second bill, sponsored by Arlington and Alexandria, VA Congressperson James P. Moran (D-Va.) and John Spratt (D-S.C.), which would have required U.N. Security Council authorization or a second congressional vote in order for an American attack was defeated 270-155. Senator Byrd of West Virginia was one of the few vocal senators to recognize his constituency and oppose the war.
Demonstrations across the country, including sit-ins in local congressional offices are taking place in reaction to the vote and as an escalation of continued attempts by people to hold our democratic republic accountable. 500 people are reported to have gathered Thursday night for an overnight vigil in San Francisco at the city's Federal Building, with civil disobedience expected in the morning. Black Voices for Peace has organized a weekend demo, expected to draw many, near the White House this coming Saturday.
[ House Resolution | CSPAN Coverage of Congress on Iraq ]