Sorry, but I feel I need to post this twice. I won't make a habit out of it.T

The U.S. House of Representatives will vote today (or possibly tomorrow) on an amendment that cuts to the heart of our system of checks and balances. It is also an amendment that could directly impact the lives of thousands of Americans.

In the past, we have urged our supporters to contact Congress about the importance of ensuring congressional approval of any agreement negotiated between Iraq and the U.S., establishing our long-term commitments in that country. Unfortunately, it currently appears as if the Bush administration might unilaterally reach an agreement with the Iraqi government without seeking congressional approval. That would simply be unconstitutional. But unless Congress asserts its rights, the administration will likely get away with it.

Fortunately, this week, Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA) will be introducing on the floor of the U.S. House an amendment to the Defense Authorization Act that would require congressional approval of any agreement that obligates the U.S. to protect Iraq against internal or external threats. If the Defense Authorization Act is passed without this amendment, the administration will simply be required to provide Congress with "reports" about the pending and/or finalized agreement. Such language would essentially give the Bush administration a green light to make whatever commitments it wants.

We need you to send an email to your U.S. Representative as soon as you read this, urging him or her to vote in favor of Rep. Lee's amendment. Just click on the following link to get started:

http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2165/t/1027/campaign.jsp?campaign_K...

From the issuing of signing statements to the defiance of congressional subpoenas, the Bush administration has demonstrated that it has absolutely no respect for our system of checks and balances. Far too often, Congress has exacerbated this situation, as it has failed to assert its own power under the Constitution.

Today is a day when members of Congress must stand up and say that the President cannot unilaterally determine our commitments to other nations for years and years to come. Push them to do the right thing by sending an email now:

http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2165/t/1027/campaign.jsp?campaign_K...

Thanks so much for joining us in this fight.