Congress to President Bush: Oh no you didnt...

A House Foreign Affairs subcommittee hearing yesterday took up the issue of whether President Bush has the authority to enter into long-term military agreements with the Iraqi government without congressional approval. The agreement starting taking shape last November when Pres Bush and Maliki signed a Declaration of Principles. Friends Committee on National Legislation have provided some details which are pasted below.

Details of the Agreement: The Declaration of Principles lays out three areas of U.S.-Iraqi cooperation and sets the goal of negotiating a detailed agreement covering each of the areas by July 31, 2008.

• In the "Political, Diplomatic and Cultural" sphere, the U.S. will support Iraqi democracy against "internal and external threats" and the Iraqi constitution against "any attempt to impede, suspend, or violate it."


• In the "Security Sphere," the U.S. will "deter foreign aggression against Iraq" and support "efforts to combat all terrorist groups."


• In the "Economic Sphere," the U.S. and Iraq are committed to "facilitating and encouraging the flow of foreign investments to Iraq, especially American investments, to contribute to the reconstruction and rebuilding of Iraq."

Also provided by FCNL are summaries of legislation introduced in both houses.

Require Congressional Oversight of US Basing Agreements in Iraq
Bill # S.2426

Original Sponsor:
Hillary Clinton (D-NY)

This bill would require the President to seek congressional approval for any agreement that would extend the US occupation of Iraq. This bill asserts that Bush has announced a "Declaration of Principles" for a long term US military presence without consulting Congress, and would require the administration to "report for justification for denying congressional role". It also would assert that no funds may be used for any military basing agreement not approved by Congress.

Require Review of Plans for Prolonged U.S. Presence in Iraq
Bill # H.R.4959
Original Sponsor:
Rosa DeLauro (D-CT 3rd)

About This Legislation: This bill would require the president to consult with Congress on negogiating any commitments for prolonged U.S. presence in Iraq. This could include bases or "any long-term security, economic or political agreement with the Government of Iraq."