Nearly four weeks after I sent 10 questions about HCR 362 to Rep. James Langevin, I still have no answer. However Eileen Sadasiv has sent me a copy of a letter she got from Langevin on Iran and she OK'd my sending it further—see below.
I suspect it was written by AIPAC. (It certainly was not composed by Langevin.) If you get a response from another congressperson, please compare with the letter below to help determine whether they're using the same source.
The writer wants us to believe that a blockade, stopping and searching ships and other vehicles and preventing people from traveling would not involve "the use of force."
From: Congressman Jim Langevin
Date: Fri Jul 25, 2008 4:51:59 PM US/Eastern
Subject: Message from Congressman James Langevin
Dear Ms. Sadasiv:
Thank you for contacting me with your thoughts about Iran. I appreciate hearing from you on this topic and welcome the opportunity to correspond with you.
U.S.-Iran relations eroded afterIran's 1979 revolution when Islamic fundamentalists gained power and installed an oppressive theocracy. Since then, the world community has been critical of Iran's widespread human rights abuses, its support for international terrorism and its efforts to develop nuclear capabilities. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has made inflammatory statements and has declared that Iran would proceed with its nuclear program. Iran's refusal to permit International Atomic Energy Agency inspections of its nuclear facilities, coupled with its desire to continue nuclear enrichment activities, ultimately led the United Nations Security Council to pass numerous resolutions imposing sanctions and other restrictions on Iran.
I firmly believe that the United States must continue to work with the international community to speak with one voice in condemnation of Iran's nuclear program and militant actions. I supported efforts to increase U.S.sanctions on Iran and promote democracy by voting for H.R. 1400, the Iran Counter-Proliferation Act, which passed in September 2007 by a vote of 397-16. Furthermore, I am a cosponsor of H.Con.Res.362, a resolution that calls for an international effort consisting of economic, political and diplomatic means to end Iran's nuclear enrichment program. While some have expressed concern that H.Con.Res. 362 could lead to military action, the measure specifically states, "nothing in this resolution shall be construed as an authorization of the use of force against Iran. "International unity is vital if we are to achieve ourshared objectives, and I do not support any unilateral, pre-emptive military action against Iran.To this end, I am also a cosponsor of H.J.Res. 14, legislation which states that, absent a national emergency such as an attack by Iran, the President shall not use military force against Iran without prior consultation and authorization by Congress.
Please be assured that I will keep your thoughts in mind as Congress considers further legislation on Iran. Thank you again for contacting me, and please feel free to share your views on other pressing matters as the legislative session progresses.
Sincerely,
Jim Langevin
Member of Congress