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Pelosi: Bush lacks Iran authority

The House speaker says Congress must okay any action against Iran.

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published February 16, 2007

WASHINGTON - House Speaker Nancy Pelosi contended Thursday that President Bush lacks the authority to invade Iran without specific approval from Congress, a fresh challenge to the commander in chief on the eve of a symbolic vote critical of his troop buildup in Iraq.

Pelosi, D-Calif., said Bush has consistently said he supports a diplomatic resolution to differences with Iran "and I take him at his word."

At the same time, she said, "I do believe that Congress should assert itself, though, and make it very clear that there is no previous authority for the president, any president, to go into Iran."

Pelosi spoke as the House moved through a third marathon day of debate on a nonbinding measure that disapproves of the military buildup in Iraq while expressing support for the troops.

Passage of the measure is expected today. Bush administration officials have worked in recent days to hold down defections by GOP lawmakers.

Bush also had an answer to his critics in the House.

"This may become the first time in the history of the United States Congress that it has voted to send a new commander into battle and then voted to oppose his plan that is necessary to succeed in that battle," the president said."

[Last modified February 16, 2007, 01:10:30]