Congress Makes Unprecedented Move: Actually Debate Iraq War!?

Nearly forty months after Congress approved the Iraq War Resolution, they’re prepared to make a bold, unprecedented move on the congressional floor: Hold a nonbinding debate over the War in Iraq!?

If you remember, back in October of 2002 our Congress signed over their powers to President Bush, granting the Commander in Chief the almighty power to authorize military intervention in Iraq if Saddam Hussein refused to give up weapons of mass destruction. All of this was done with little debate or dissent, other than Senator Byrd’s attempt to filibuster against the resolution -- arguing the resolution amounted to a “blank check” for the White House. His attempt was cut off on a 75 to 25 vote. "This is the Tonkin Gulf resolution all over again," Byrd said. "Let us stop, look and listen. Let us not give this president or any president unchecked power. Remember the Constitution." (Wink, Wink*: The Senate voted overwhelmingly to repeal the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution on June 24th of 1970.)

And now Congress wants their powers back? Several congressional members and presidential candidates have drafted nonbinding resolutions in a posthumous attempt to chip away at the Commanding Chief’s powers.

Wonder-Congress Powers form into a “Politically Lethal Non-Binding Resolution…” (Poof, followed by cloud of smoke and mirrors)

Nonetheless, let the nonbinding debates begin, and let’s watch and see if the GOP pulls a Senator Byrd and attempts to filibuster the proposed non-binding resolutions. Maybe a nonbinding filibuster is in order, eh?

If this pans out for Congress, who knows what they’ll do next with their Wonder-Congress Powers: Hold a non-binding debate over the Patriot Act? The No Child Left Behind Act? The Civil Rights Act? The 14th Amendment? This year's final BCS standings? Or the authenticity of the Constitution’s ratification?

*Here’s your loophole folks: Bush also must certify that action against Iraq would not hinder efforts to pursue the al Qaeda terrorist network that attacked New York and Washington. Hmmmmm…

Update: Gee, looks like the Republicans pulled a Senator Byrd filibuster after all -- only the Republicans held their party line. Got cloture? Who ya gonna call? FILIBUSTERS!!!