October 25, 2007 (LPAC)--EIR attended the press conference today called by Cong. Walter Jones, Wayne Gilchrest, Bill Delahunt, and Ron Paul, to announce the filing of H.J.Res.53, The Constitutional War Powers Act Resolution. The bill, drafted by Cong. Jones, is a fundamental revision of the existing war powers resolution, reinstating the constitutional requirement, that, were the executive branch of government to declare war, the explicit approval of Congress would be required. In addition to the above-named congressmen, two additional Democrats, Bob Brady and Neil Abercrombie, are also co-sponsors. Delahunt, who chairs the Oversight Subcommittee of the House Foreign Relations Committee, vowed to get hearings on the bill as soon as possible. (Jones had authored legislation last spring requiring the President to get Congress' approval before an attack on Iran. Pelosi had promised Jones a vote on the bill, but reneged on her commitment after addressing AIPAC).

Cong. Jones and his staff spent over four months consulting with constitutional scholars, retired military, and many others, to put together a very comprehensive bill that clearly delineates the constitutional role of Congress.

Cong. Delahunt, the only Democrat present, praised the courage of the 3 Republicans, especially as, in the case of Gilchrest and Jones, face stiff opposition in upcoming primaries under brutal attack by the administration and Republican leadership.

All of the congressmen cited the immediate danger of a preemptive strike against Iran, with Cong. Paul demanding that this bill move as quickly as possible given the fact that we're about to have another war (referencing today's sanctions, etc.) He said we could wake up tomorrow and have something going on in Iran, which will spread all over the world.

The most poignant comments, however, came from Jones. He reiterated that he had made a mistake in authorizing the use of force, that he should have never voted to authorize the Iraq war. And, when asked what the consequences were to his re-election for his outspoken opposition to the war, said he didn't care, that he will take the consequences and do what he thinks is right and what God wants him to do. Congressman Jones, writing over 7,053 letters to families of the deceased in this country, counting extended families, has signed every letter, has licked every envelope, because he's asking God's forgiveness for not doing what was right for His children that have died in Iraq.