I broke this story earlier this morning right before my radio show.
In March, James Webb introduced legislation demanding that the President seek congressional approval before striking Iran.
I've just learned that Senator Hillary Clinton will co-sponsor legislation with Webb and re-introduce it into the Senate. Exact language isn't available, but this is what Webb offered in March.
Specifically, the amendment requires that the President seek congressional authorization prior to commencing any broad military action in Iran and it allows the following exceptions: First, military operations or activities that would directly repel an attack launched from within the territory of Iran. Second, those activities that would directly thwart an imminent attack that would be launched from Iran. Third, military operations or activities that would be in hot pursuit of forces engaged outside the territory of Iran who thereafter would enter Iran. And finally, those intelligence collection activities that have been properly noticed to the appropriate committees of Congress.
Clinton took a lot of heat, including from yours truly, for voting for the Lieberman-Kyl legislation. But Clinton understands what happened with the Iraq authorization bill, at the same time she believes Iran's Revolutionary Guards is a terrorist organization. She obviously also wants to send a message to Bush as well. Joining Webb in co-sponsoring this legislation is critically important and a progressive move.
The Lieberman-Kyl non-binding language, even after gutted, was something no Democrat should have voted for, let alone co-sponsored. But we all know what a cheeerleading Mr. Lieberman is when it comes to Iran. In the end there is also the obvious. Nothing Congress do will deter Mr. Bush from targeting Iran if he decides that is what he wants to do. But Clinton joining Webb in drawing a line for Bush will at least be on the record. Cold comfort, but better this than silence.
UPDATE: Steve Clemons weighs in and gets it exactly right. Here's a snippet, but make sure you read his whole analysis.
Hillary Clinton needs to apply her ascending political weight to the passage of the Webb resolution. It is not enough to just support a resolution and watch it languish. This is a measure that needs to be passed and sent to the White House to rob legitimacy from any conflict Cheney and his followers might engineer in the waning days of this administration.