House Passes Resolution on Iran

In largely a move to contrast themselves with the Obama Administration, which rightly enough withholds words of support for the Iranian opposition, the House today passed HR 560 authored by Howard Berman (D –CA 28) and Mike Pence (R – IN 6). The text of the resolution follows:

RESOLUTION

Expressing support for all Iranian citizens who embrace the values of freedom, human rights, civil liberties, and rule of law, and for other purposes.

Resolved, That the House of Representatives--

(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 cellphones; and

(3) affirms the universality of individual rights and the importance of democratic and fair elections.

The resolution passed 405 Aye, 1 No, 1 Present and 25 Not Voting.

Who voted no, you might ask? Well obviously, Dr. No himself, Texas’ own Dr. Ron Paul.

I think this is fine. Congress can do things like this and it looks OK. Obama can voice concerns but if he comes out in support of the opposition that will be grist for the mill of all America haters.