Debate over the proposed resolution to kick some Iraqi butt continues apace, but it looks like the President will have to settle for something less than complete power to do whatever he wants whenever he wants it:
“At the end of the day, he’s going to get his vote. But the size of the victory is going to depend on how it’s drafted,” said Rep. Ken Bentsen, D-Houston. “The draft the White House sent over is generally felt to be overly broad by most Republicans and Democrats that I have talked to.”
[…]
“I can’t vote for the resolution that was submitted by the White House. I think it’s way too broad and I hope that our committees change it to where people would recognize there is another elected body to consider,” said Rep. Gene Green, D-Houston, referring to Congress.
[…]
Rep. Nick Lampson of Beaumont said he has yet to decide how he’ll vote on the resolution, although like many Democrats he objects to the unchecked military authority the Bush administration is seeking.
“I think my constituents generally want me to support the president, but I think they also want a clear statement of mission objectives, and there remain a number of questions about whether the timing is right,” he said.
Hmm. Perhaps someone has been paying attention to recent polling data after all.
Many Republicans do support the President, though not all. The previously mentioned Rep. Dick “More Intellectual Than Thou” Armey remains “the toughest sell in this town”, while Rep. Ron Paul opposes any intervention anywhere, as Tony Adragna pointed out. It will be interesting to see if they support him enough to follow him off this cliff.