Feingold Introduces Resolutions Censuring Bush, Others
    By Frederic J. Frommer
    The Associated Press

    Monday 06 August 2007

    Washington - Sen. Russ Feingold has introduced resolutions that would censure President Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney and Attorney General Alberto Gonzales for what Feingold calls the Bush administration's misleading the nation into war, and undermining the rule of law.

    In the House, Rep. Maurice Hinchey, D-N.Y., introduced companion resolutions.

    "Congress cannot stay silent when the American people are demanding that this administration be held accountable for its blatant misconduct regarding Iraq and its attack on the rule of law," Feingold, D-Wis., said in a statement Monday.

    "From misleading this country into invading Iraq to establishing a warrantless domestic spy program, this White House has continuously misled and deceived the American people while disregarding the rule of law that guides our democracy," Hinchey said in a statement Monday,

    Feingold announced last month that he would introduce the two resolutions.

    One would censure Bush and Cheney for what it calls misleading the country about the threat posed by Saddam Hussein's regime, and inadequate planning for military action in Iraq, among other things.

    The other would censure Bush and Gonzales for the warrantless surveillance program against suspected terrorists, and what the resolution calls misleading Congress about the firings of U.S. attorneys, among other things.

    Taken together, the measures would amount to a formal condemnation of Bush, Cheney and Gonzales.

    White House spokesman Alex Conant responded: "We know Senator Feingold does not care much for the president's policies, but we would welcome the opportunity to work with him and his colleagues on the important issues facing our nation. Perhaps after calls for censure and investigations, Congress will turn its attention to important issues like funding our troops, making health care more affordable, and extending tax relief."

    Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, co-sponsored both Senate resolutions, while Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., co-sponsored the one about Iraq. Nineteen House Democrats, including Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, co-sponsored the House resolutions.