Perino: ‘Don’t Know’ If White House Will Seek Congress’ Approval Of Permanent Iraq Occupation
Perino: ‘Don’t Know’ If White House Will Seek Congress’ Approval Of Permanent Iraq Occupation
Earlier this week, State Dept. Coordinator for Iraq David Satterfield refused to say whether it was “a constitutional requirement” for the administration to “consult with Congress” on a long-term agreement with Iraq.
This morning on Fox News, White House Press Secretary Dana Perino echoed Satterfield, saying that “we don’t know” whether Congress has any constitutional role in authorizing such treaties:
The negotiations on it have just started. In fact, there was a hearing on Capitol Hill yesterday. And members will be fully briefed. We don’t know if this is going to result in something that Congress will need to approve or not. But they are going to be fully consulted all along the way.
Watch it:
But the administration does know it will bypass Congress. In a follow-up letter to Satterfield’s testimony obtained by ThinkProgress, Assistant Secretary of State Jeffrey Bergner said the President does have “constitutional authority” to “continue combat operations” in Iraq without Congress’s authorization.
As justification, Bergner cited the 2002 authorization of force against Saddam Hussein and the resolution passed after 9/11:
[T]he U.S. military has the authority to conduct operations in Iraq beyond the end of the year under the laws passed by Congress and the President’s authority as Commander in Chief under the Constitution.
“I don’t think anybody argues today that Saddam Hussein is a threat,” said Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-NY) in response. “Is it the government of Iraq that’s a threat?”
In defending the executive agreement, Perino cited “the long-term relationship we have with countries Japan and Germany and South Korea.” Indeed, these “strategic framework agreements” were approved by Congress first, as Oona Hathway of Yale Law School noted.
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Would someone ask her if there is ANYTHING she does know???
March 6th, 2008 at 3:15 pmComment by tombaker — March 6, 2008 @ 3:15 pm
Agreed. I don’t know why they even bother.
March 6th, 2008 at 3:17 pmI think they finally replaced the real Dana with the mechanized version.
Not much of a change, really.
– Ralph Hussein Wonder Llama
March 6th, 2008 at 3:17 pmour Constitution, Bush’s toilet paper
Uncle Hussein Ho
March 6th, 2008 at 3:18 pmWhat she doesn’t know will fill an encyclopediea…At least she’s not lying when she says “I don’t know”
March 6th, 2008 at 3:19 pmDana sez, “When are you stupid dolts going to learn that King George can do anything he damn well pleases – and you all can just lump it.”
March 6th, 2008 at 3:19 pmWhat is the sense of voting for any Democrat, when clearly they have no spine. Whatever Bush wants, Bush always get.
Where is the backbone? What are they afraid of? Why do I even bother to care anymore?
March 6th, 2008 at 3:25 pmEva Braun
March 6th, 2008 at 3:25 pmWierd! I can’t find the phrase Congress will be fully consulted ANYWHERE in Article I Section 8 of the Constitution with reference to
“To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states, and with the Indian tribes;
To declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, and make rules concerning captures on land and water;
To raise and support armies, but no appropriation of money to that use shall be for a longer term than two years;
To provide and maintain a navy;
To make rules for the government and regulation of the land and naval forces; ”
Nope! Not a phrase, not a one, authorizing the executive branch to take or retain authority in these explicit areas.
March 6th, 2008 at 3:25 pmChimpy administration job requirement #1 : Knowledge of US History and the Constitution are grounds for dismissal…………….
March 6th, 2008 at 3:26 pmDumbya thinks that invoking 911 and the Patriot Act will place him above the constitution and above the laws in this country. Not so, Mr. Chimp! Not so fast! ~Hussein Osiris~
March 6th, 2008 at 3:27 pmAn executive order by the next president can make an executive order by bush null and void. It’s amazing how bush thinks that any executive order that he makes will last into infinity.
signed: Cats “Hussein” r Flyfishn
March 6th, 2008 at 3:28 pmOh, Hey! Here’s another part of the Toilet Pa…er, Constitution that also applies here, Article II, section 2
“He shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to make treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; “…
Advice and Consent does not mean fully consulted.
~RHUsseinGeebusCerious~
March 6th, 2008 at 3:29 pmMcMetal: That’s like suggesting that pigs fly when you apply that metaphor to Miss BubbleHeaded BleachBlonde Perino. Or perhaps more aptly, the adage “you can’t polish a turd” applies to her. She’s an uneducated moron and totally illiterate when it comes to the law, the economy, and now knowledge of US History and Constitution 101.
The first two – law and economy – came from her very own putrified lips.
March 6th, 2008 at 3:29 pm~Hussein Osiris~
Dana Idunnow Purina…she’s what’s for dinner.
March 6th, 2008 at 3:30 pm“authorization” and “resolution”….
… the same justification they will use to bomb bomb iran…
March 6th, 2008 at 3:31 pmIt’s amazing how bush thinks that any executive order that he makes will last into infinity.
signed: Cats “Hussein†r Flyfishn
Comment by Cats r Flyfishn — March 6, 2008 @ 3:28 pm
Ah, but you overlook the fact that, when Bush signed all of these executive orders, he did so each time with these words:
“I call that this executive order will stand until infinity.”
See? He called it. That’s binding in any kid court of law.
March 6th, 2008 at 3:31 pmOK, Who put the lipstick on the pig in the photo>? Fess up.
~RHUsseinPurinaCerious~
March 6th, 2008 at 3:31 pmRHUsseinGeebusCerious – (*BTW, I love it and I plan to shove the Hussein middle name down the throat of the locksteppers every time I post here).
Absolutely correctomundo: It’s Article 2 Section 2. I guess Dana wouldn’t have the wherewithall to even know where to locate that section of the Constitution.
And Chimpy would love for it to simply “go away”. Joke’s on him. The people have the constitution on their side. Go congress and hold these guys up by their gonads until they say uncle – on FISA and on this.
March 6th, 2008 at 3:32 pmWould someone ask her if there is ANYTHING she does know???
Comment by tombaker — March 6, 2008 @ 3:15 pm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plausible_deniability
March 6th, 2008 at 3:32 pmRegardless of whether he will seek their approval, his permanent occupation won’t last long if congress does not grant the money.
March 6th, 2008 at 3:33 pmAnd more news from Iraq
Bomb blast kills 55
Tie this war around McSame’s neck until he goes under…
~RHUsseinSidneyCerious~
March 6th, 2008 at 3:34 pmRalph Hussein Wonder Llama,
Bush can write anything he wants and on January 21, 2009, the next president will issue an executive order to make all bush’s orders null and void and then issue an executive order to arrest bush and cheney for war crimes. Go Vermont!
Cats Hussein r Flyfishn
March 6th, 2008 at 3:37 pmWhen pigs fly – is when Bush will get away with one iota more of violating the law or violating the civil rights of the people. His days are OVER! He’s history and tainted history at that. He’s irrelevant to the landscape of this country right now which has been reinvigorated by the positive energy and hope of Hillary and Obama.
Darkness is merely the absence of light. The new beacons of light are awakening all of us from the slumber of incredulity and frustration. The white light is shining for us all to see and add to exponentially. When we bring these criminals to the justice they rightfully deserve, then our light will be shining again. Maybe we’ll even recoup a smattering of the respect we once had internationally as well; that is, if John McNutbag doesn’t get into the White House. All at cost, we must keep this maniac, warmonger out of power or we will be shrouded in darkness once more.
March 6th, 2008 at 3:38 pm~Hussein Osiris!
.
I’m a Barbie girl…
In the Bushie world…
Made of plastic,
Lies fantastic.
.
She talks a lot about what she doesn’t know and hardly talks on what she does know. Of course, in her defense, she is briefed by the President.
.
March 6th, 2008 at 3:39 pm#23 That’s the “plan”. You got it right. He can break all the laws he wants now but when more states sign on to the arrest warrant situation both Chimp and Deadeye will be behind bars. Then we all can have the last laugh. Fascistia swine – all of them.
March 6th, 2008 at 3:39 pm~Hussein Osiris~
Comment by Cats r Flyfishn — March 6, 2008 @ 3:37 pm
But — but — but they can’t do that! Not if Bush called it!
Mom!!!!
March 6th, 2008 at 3:40 pm#25 That’s what you get when two halfwits put their minds together….we’re lucky if it equals one normal IQ. ~Hussein Osiris!
Obama = Light
March 6th, 2008 at 3:41 pmMcCrazy = Darkness
23 – Cats Hussein r Flyfishn ….your post just described my liberal wet dream.
Thank you. ;o)
~Hussein Annie
March 6th, 2008 at 3:41 pmAs these idiots slowly but surely continue to paint the floor with their endless and blatant lying, they fail to see the corner that is behind them. And that is rich.
Fitzgerald Hussein Roket
March 6th, 2008 at 3:43 pmNope! Not a phrase, not a one, authorizing the executive branch to take or retain authority in these explicit areas.
Comment by RUCerious
I remember once somone saying that is was easier to beg forgiveness, than to ask for permission. Maybe that is what we are seeing here. Bush does what Cheney tells him to, then he sends his news whore out to notify us which laws the chimpster will not be following. And what is congress going to do about the signing statements. They now are beginning to move from mere frustrations and inconveniences into the legal framework of our nation. Can the chimpster disregard an authorized law passed by both houses of congress and signed into law by the president?
Folks, we have left the safe harbor of a Constitutional government, and been marooned on a desert island inhabited by 3rd world dictators and thugs. Welcome to the NEW AMERIKKKA!
March 6th, 2008 at 3:47 pmI just hope McCain comes out publicly and often in support of this idea. No one but the extreme hard right supports a permanent occupation of Iraq. This would be the perfect ideology for McCain to start shooting his foot with.
March 6th, 2008 at 3:47 pmHow many states are considering doing what Vermont has done vis-a-vis Bush/Cheney? I think they’ve set the precedent and many more will follow. It’s time for the people to take back the power of THEIR government once again.
And what’s with McSame’s poodle act with the pathetic little smirk on his face when Chimpy asked if he’d like to have “his pretty face out there on the campaign trail with him”. What pretty face? Chimpy’s face can stop a clock these days it’s so lined and haggard. You noticed that McSame didn’t jump at the suggestion because he knows that Bush is Mr. Toxic to anyone he supports….think about it…..Harriet Miers, Alberto Gonzocchio, Donald Rumsfeld, etc. Bush’s support was the kiss of death to McSame’s faltering campaign.
March 6th, 2008 at 3:48 pm~Hussein Osiris~
Someone above referred to the pimp as Bush’s News Whore – fertile comment here or just speculation? Wonder who she had to hump to get where she is?
March 6th, 2008 at 3:50 pmComment by osiris — March 6, 2008 @ 3:48 pm
####
Please let Bush campaign with McCain, please! We couldn’t be so lucky.
March 6th, 2008 at 3:50 pmI really didn’t think I would ever miss Tony Snow Job, but this empty headed bimbo is really too much. I do think it is by design though. Bush probably though, “well, she’s cute (debatable), blond (probably from a bottle) and stupid (no argument there), so by having her as my Press Secretary I’m covered because she is actually more stupid than I am”.
March 6th, 2008 at 3:51 pmI just hope McCain comes out publicly and often in support of this idea. No one but the extreme hard right supports a permanent occupation of Iraq. This would be the perfect ideology for McCain to start shooting his foot with.
Comment by Chris L — March 6, 2008 @ 3:47 pm
Well, he did come pretty close to it with his statements about being in Iraq for 100-1,000,000 years. That’s asymptotically approaching permanent.
March 6th, 2008 at 3:52 pmI just hope McCain comes out publicly and often in support of this idea. Comment by Chris L — March 6, 2008 @ 3:47 pm
Oh, but McBush already has come out publicly in support of this idead, Chrishussein — remember his 100 Year Plan? We just need to keep reminding the Amurkin Sheeple of this…
~Abu al-Kelb Hussein
March 6th, 2008 at 3:52 pmI believe Perino when she says she doesn’t know.
March 6th, 2008 at 3:53 pmDana seems to be operating under the idea that everything she does, in her job, is for the good of the nation, for national security, and if the president says so, it has to be.
This shows that smart people can do and say things that are not good for the country and abrogate the checks and balances of government.
March 6th, 2008 at 3:53 pmI’m still waiting for her “pictures” to surface. You know they’re out there. From college…? maybe an ex boyfriend…? Someone’s got em, and I will be thrilled when they come tumbling out of her closet.
March 6th, 2008 at 3:55 pm“…I’m covered because she is actually more stupid than I amâ€.
Comment by Bilbo Hussein Baggins — March 6, 2008 @ 3:51 pm
Now come on, BHB — someone stupiderer than the Decider? Is that even possible?
~Abu al-Kelb Hussein
March 6th, 2008 at 3:56 pmComment by TheRadicalRightisRadicallyWrong — March 6, 2008 @ 3:55 pm
Well, there’s always PhotoShop…
I’m just sayin’…
~Abu al-Kelb Hussein
March 6th, 2008 at 3:58 pmOh, I don’t know… What do you guys think?
Boy, these guys are really acting like a bunch of short timers.
March 6th, 2008 at 3:59 pm3:46 Ackerman says Pelosi is considering a resolution to extend the UN agreement to occupy Iraq for 3 months beyond January 1st, but that UN agreement, not the 2002 AUMF, is what we’re operating under.
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/node/31586
March 6th, 2008 at 4:00 pmI’m just sayin’…
~Abu al-Kelb Hussein
Comment by The Dogfather — March 6, 2008 @ 3:58 pm
Yeah… some how just not nearly as satisfying as the real thing will be.
You know they’ll claim photoshop when the real ones come out anyway.
March 6th, 2008 at 4:00 pmComment by Tobie Tall — March 6, 2008 @ 4:00 pm
###
Good info, thank you! Keep us posted!
March 6th, 2008 at 4:01 pmAn executive order by the next president can make an executive order by bush null and void. It’s amazing how bush thinks that any executive order that he makes will last into infinity.
Congress can also override an Executive Order:
March 6th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
It’s funny that people with a consistent history of not following the Constitution keep being asked if they will follow it this time. Isn’t this the same broken record: “We don’t know the Constitution, but we will consult with Congress as we proceed with breaking the law.”?
March 6th, 2008 at 4:09 pmDumbya thinks that invoking 911 and the Patriot Act will place him above the constitution and above the laws in this country.
Comment by osiris — March 6, 2008 @ 3:27 pm
Hasn’t he reached the limit on that credit card yet?
~ Miss Hussein Molly
March 6th, 2008 at 4:09 pmIraq’s cabinet has given the green light to the Oil Ministry to sign agreements with international oil companies to help increase the nation’s crude output, a ministry official said Wednesday.
The two-year deals, known as technical support agreements, or TSAs, are designed to develop five producing fields to add 500,000 barrels per day to the country’s current 2.4 million barrels per day output.
Congress is trying to protect these 2 year deals by staying longer in Iraq WITHOUT any UN mandate, meanwhile China is nearing an oil deal in Iraq worth $1.2 billion oil deal
March 6th, 2008 at 4:10 pmWould someone please nail a copy of the Constitution to the chymp’s forehead?
~RHUsseinSidneyCerious~
March 6th, 2008 at 4:11 pmhowever, the Congress may override a veto with a two-thirds majority to end an executive order.
Comment by Bilbo Hussein Baggins
Has anybody metioned to this Congress that they have a constitutional obligation of oversight? Maybe they didn’t get the memo. Considering the amount of time they have sat on their collective hands, I am almost certain they do not know what their jobs are.
March 6th, 2008 at 4:12 pmEarlier this week, State Dept. Coordinator for Iraq David Satterfield refused to say whether it was “a constitutional requirement†for the administration to “consult with Congress†on a long-term agreement with Iraq.
This morning on Fox News, White House Press Secretary Dana Perino echoed Satterfield, saying that “we don’t know†whether Congress has any constitutional role in authorizing such treaties:
——————————————————–
Why does this administration have such a difficult time understanding the Constitution? Could somebody get the White House a copy of it, so they can READ the thing?
Oh wait…somebody probably did. But it was just thought to be a “g*d-d*mn piece of paper” and got thrown out with the junk mail.
Wonder what Dubya was thinking about while he was repeating the words to his Oath of Office about protecting and defending the Constitution — “I wonder what’s for lunch”?
March 6th, 2008 at 4:14 pmWould someone ask her if there is ANYTHING she does know???
Comment by tombaker — March 6, 2008 @ 3:15 pm
You don’t have to know anything to be on FOX.
March 6th, 2008 at 4:16 pmWhen you’re a Greedy Old Pig, everything looks like a butt.
March 6th, 2008 at 4:16 pm-Jeff Gannon
Spanish judge rules British terror suspects held by US for five years are not fit to stand trial
According to the judge’s order, two British doctors, Jonathan Derek Fluxman and Helen Bamber, examined the pair at the Harrow Road health centre in February and diagnosed serious medical conditions caused by torture at the hands of their captors and the inhumane conditions in which they were kept for five years.
Banna is said to be severely depressed, suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and to have diabetes, hyper-tension, back pain and damage to the back of his left knee. Deghayes is also suffering from PTSD, depression, is blind in his right eye, and has fractures in his nasal bone and right index finger. Both men are said to present a high risk of suicide.
The doctors’ report on Deghayes, signed by Fluxman, concluded that “given all these factors, I don’t see how Mr Deghayes would be able to give instructions to his lawyers, listen to evidence and give his own accurate testimony”.
A similar conclusion was drawn in the case of Banna. The doctors said were he to be separated from his wife and children again, he risked a severe deterioration of his already fragile mental health.
Garzón’s order said these medical conditions had been confirmed by two forensic doctors in Spain, and said the “PTSD and depression mark a before and after in the lives and psychiatric” condition of the two men. It said their recovery was “uncertain”, meaning they were not capable of defending themselves in any potential trial.
The order blamed the medical condition of Banna on the “five years [he spent] in secret prisons in Gambia and Afghanistan and latterly in Guantánamo … in inhumane conditions”, during which time he was tortured, resulting in the “progressive deterioration of his mental condition”. In the case of Deghayes, it said he was tortured and badly treated in prisons in Islamabad, Bagram and finally Guantánamo before his release at the end of last year.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/mar/06/spain.uksecurity
March 6th, 2008 at 4:17 pmNice to see you back posting, Tobie.
Keep up the good links from your side of the pond.
March 6th, 2008 at 4:19 pmBanna is said to be severely depressed, suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and to have diabetes, hyper-tension, back pain and damage to the back of his left knee. Deghayes is also suffering from PTSD, depression, is blind in his right eye, and has fractures in his nasal bone and right index finger. Both men are said to present a high risk of suicide.
Comment by Tobie Tall — March 6, 2008 @ 4:17 pm
With all those symptoms, it looks like Mr. Banna got a touch of the Kubark.
March 6th, 2008 at 4:30 pmComment by Tobie Tall — March 6, 2008 @ 4:17 pm
I would weep for my country but over the last 7 years the well of tears is all dried up, all I have left too offer is anger and fury to the core!
March 6th, 2008 at 4:31 pmThe truly sad thing about this Administration is its utter inability to realize just how boundlessly idiotic they are. As I’ve been saying, they’re bound and determined to out-stupid their own stupidity.
Impeach Cheney and Bush and Save the Constitution and End This Idiot-Fest!
Abu Ben Hussein Leporellelo
March 6th, 2008 at 4:36 pmRemember back to the Kosovo days when all the Repub’s were screaming “Exit plan! Exit Plan!”
March 6th, 2008 at 4:43 pmOops,
Chuck Hussein Feney
March 6th, 2008 at 4:44 pmDana Perrino, The Stepford Press Secretary. That b*tch needs to be reprogrammed, the hard way.
March 6th, 2008 at 4:45 pmPerino said she really likes to watch re-runs of “Blossom”.
March 6th, 2008 at 5:30 pmShayne, I’ll reprogram that beyotch the hard way.
March 6th, 2008 at 5:31 pmRemember back to the Kosovo days when all the Repub’s were screaming “Exit plan! Exit Plan!â€
Comment by Chuck_Feney — March 6, 2008 @ 4:43 pm
Indeed.
The Repubs keep claiming that if the current Dems would have been in Congress during WWII and had been pushing early withdrawal, we’d all be speaking German and Japanese now.
On the contrary, can you imagine Bush being President during that time and members of his administration saying such things as “Oh, I doubt the war with Germany and Japan will last 6 months” and “I don’t think much about Hitler,” and finding out that Bush refused to commit as many troops to the effort that we originally saw?
March 6th, 2008 at 5:46 pmBush believes that the 2002 authorization to use force in Iraq gives him authority to commit troops for as long as he pleases without authorization from Congress.
From 3/6, Karen Young, at the WaPo:
March 6th, 2008 at 5:49 pmThe Bush administration yesterday advanced a new argument for why it does not require congressional approval to strike a long-term security agreement with Iraq, stating that Congress had already endorsed such an initiative through its 2002 resolution authorizing the use of force against Saddam Hussein.
On the contrary, can you imagine Bush being President during that time and members of his administration saying such things as “Oh, I doubt the war with Germany and Japan will last 6 months†and “I don’t think much about Hitler,†and finding out that Bush refused to commit as many troops to the effort that we originally saw?
Comment by Bad Eye — March 6, 2008 @ 5:46 pm
Hmmm… In the Ultimate Fight For Our Way Of Life, do you think they’d have a draft?
Chuck Hussein Feney
March 6th, 2008 at 5:52 pmCheck out my new ad for ebay
For Sale ~ US Constitution. Slightly used. Not much use for it anymore, as it has been superceded by urinary executive.
Not just a piece of goddamn paper, but you’ll have to use lots of tape to put the shreds back in place.
Starting bid fourteen cents.
March 6th, 2008 at 6:02 pmPar for the course for BushCo.
Sincerely, GL Hussein 2814
March 6th, 2008 at 6:56 pm