June 20, 2009
Reps Mike Pence (R-IN) and Howard Berman (D-CA) introduced a resolution condemning the Iranian government’s crackdown on protesters and interference with Internet and cell phone communications, which passed passed 405 – 1 (Ron Paul) along with two *presents* – Reps Brad Ellsworth (D-IN) and Dave Loebsack (D-IA).
(1) expresses its support for all Iranian citizens who embrace the values of freedom, human rights, civil liberties, and rule of law;
(2) condemns the ongoing violence against demonstrators by the government of Iran and pro-government militias, as well as the ongoing government suppression of independent electronic communication through interference with the Internet and cell phones; and
(3) affirms the universality of individual rights and the importance of democratic and fair elections.
Video Reps Cantor (R-VA) and Pence discussing resolution.
Rep Pence: When Ronald Reagan went before the Brandenburg Gate, he did not say Mr. Gorbachev, that wall is none of our business.
The nay was Rep Ron Paul (R-TX):
I have always hesitated when my colleagues rush to pronounce final judgment on events thousands of miles away about which we know very little. And we know very little beyond limited press reports about what is happening in Iran.
Source: CNN
Sen John McCain (R-AZ) and Sen Joe Lieberman (I-CT) introduced the Senate version of the resolution:
The time has come for the United States Congress to speak out unequivocally in support of the fundamental right of the Iranian people to determine their future for themselves in freedom. With this resolution, the Senate joined with our colleagues in the House of Representatives to affirm our shared commitment to the universal values of democracy, human rights, civil liberties, and the rule of law, and to condemn the unacceptable violence against the peaceful demonstrators taking place in Iran. By acting now, Congress sent an unmistakable message of support to the courageous Iranian people at a critical moment in their history.
It passed as did the resolution introduced by Sen Ted Kaufman (D-DE) and co-sponsored by Sen John Kyl (R-AZ) that condemns restrictions on the press in Iraq.
[The Resolution] reinforces the universal values of freedom of speech and freedom of the press, and supports the Iranian people as they take steps to peacefully express their voices, opinions, and aspirations in the aftermath of the June 12th election. The resolution also condemns censorship and intimidation of the press in Iran, and pledges support to the Iranian people seeking access to news and other forms of information.
I think the president has been clear on what he believes. And I will say, as the president has said, we’re not going to be used as political foils and political footballs in a debate that is happening in Iran. There are many people in the leadership that would love us to get involved and would love to trot out the same old foils they’ve used for years. That’s what they would love to do….obviously, we welcome the resolution.
First time the WH has gone beyond the party line to admitting/agreeing to the need for assigning responsibility for the violence but as usual just short of condemning it and waited until it was a done deal.
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