July 22, 2007
Posted: 12:01 PM ET

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Democratic Sen. Russ Feingold announced Sunday he will introduce two censure resolutions to condemn President Bush and other top administration officials over the Iraq war and "repeated assaults on the rule of law."

In a written announcement, his office called the resolutions "appropriate and necessary steps for Congress to rebuke an administration that is responsible for some of the worst misconduct and the worst abuses of the law in American history."

Feingold told NBC's "Meet the Press" the censure resolutions have not yet been drafted, though he has discussed the idea with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy.

Reid, D-Nev., told CBS' "Face the Nation" that while Feingold is "a very brilliant man," the Senate should be focusing on passing legislation.

"The president already has the mark of the American people that he's the worst president we've ever had, and I don't think we need a censure resolution in the Senate to prove that," he said.

"Russ is going to have to make his case as to why we should do that rather than do our appropriation bills, finish the defense authorization bill, Homeland Security appropriation bill."

Reid added that he expects Republicans to block a vote on the resolutions.

Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said he supports the resolutions.

He told CNN's "Late Edition" that Bush has not only an "unpopular presidency," but a "failed presidency."

"This administration has gone far beyond the exercise of political power. They have abused the Constitution, in some respects, and I think it's appropriate for us to take this censure resolution up. It is short of impeachment, but it's an important debate."

Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., called the move a "stunt."

He told CNN's "Late Edition" that the idea, after an all-night Senate session organized by Democrats last week, gives a sense of why Congress' approval rating is so low.

"The American people are looking at this Congress and saying, 'Where's the legislation? What are you going to do to make America better?'" he added.

But Feingold told "Meet the Press" there is "a lot of sentiment" among Americans to impeach Bush. The Wisconsin Democrat said he believes the president has committed impeachable offenses.

"I am proposing a moderate course," he said, to "make sure the historical record shows the way they weakened our country military and against al Qaeda."

Feingold's written statement offered a litany of complaints against Bush.

He said the first resolution would cite: "overstating the case that Saddam Hussein had WMD," failing to plan for civil conflict in Iraq, "over-stretching" the military with prolonged deployments, and "distorting" realities on the ground in Iraq.

The second resolution would include the warrantless wiretapping program the administration had instituted, "extreme policies on torture," and the "refusal to recognize legitimate congressional oversight into the improper firings of U.S. attorneys."

Feingold, who serves on the Senate's intelligence and foreign relations committees, introduced a Senate resolution in 2006 over the wiretapping program, but it got barely any support.

Filed under: President Bush • Senate


erika morgan black dimond wa   July 22nd, 2007 1:03 pm ET

At this point 70% of the voters want us out of Iraq and back in the business of dealing with Al-Qaeda as it actually exists. What can we do to drive our agenda into actual policy. We have completely lost respect for the representative government. I am beginning to understand that about 250 years is the ultimate longest we can expect any government to last, because of corrupt consolidated power not respecting the people. The only government of any folks that I know of with a longer history is the Swiss Federation which is now approaching 850 years and is a pure democracy on every level. This means there would be a public vote to go to war, to fund any effort, to commute a sentence, anything except day to day rules of ; as there was to join the United Nations which the Swiss turned down by 85% in the late 1990s. There has to be a remedy for a government going against, 70% and climbing, of its people. What can we do?

Golden Oak, Virginia, USA   July 22nd, 2007 2:21 pm ET

I respect your sincerity, Ms. Morgan, but our situation and the Swiss' situation is quite different. They don't face the problems we do. Or see things from the same moral lens as Americans historically have.

I'm sure you don't favor the Swiss policy of strict neutrality, even when dealing with evil. The Swiss refused to even take a stand against Nazi Germany in World War II. Maybe you can help me understand the nobility of that position, because right now, I don't see it.

Secondly, al-Qaeda seems to believe that Iraq is now the major front in the war against the West. You apparently are not aware of the bad feelings we left when we did not support the Shiite revolt against Saddam in 1991. The Iraqis have a hard time trusting us because of that, and a hard time trusting each other because of the horrors they've faced in the last 30 years. It's just not a simple situation, and I'm afraid too many people think it is.

Democracies can have a hard time sustaining their will to win in a war — by your 70% argument, the North should have quit in the Civil War in 1864 when Mr. Lincoln's war policies were about to cost him the Presidential election. It wasn't until Sherman took Atlanta that people rallied back to Lincoln.

You sound like a good woman, Ms. Morgan. Our country's in a tough situation, and you're understandably frustrated. Pray for our President (yes, I used to pray for President Clinton, too). Pray for our soldiers in harm's way. And don't lose heart.

MCD, San Francisco   July 22nd, 2007 2:39 pm ET

While it sounds good… censure is not enough. Bush&Co don't care what congress or the country thinks of them. As long as they still retain power they will continue to flout the laws of the land and do as they please.

Sharon Jenson Atonville, Ca   July 22nd, 2007 3:09 pm ET

Let's be sure that history shows how corrupt Bush & Co really are; by holding them responsible for their actions. Let the future of America read about it in future history books, and let America learn from this.

This and only this, as a final step before he leaves, should absolutely be done! If not, it'll happen again, and again, and again.

Nixon was forced to leave; why can't we kick Bush out?
He's already made enough money & he refuses to stop this insane war - we don't need him hanging around, spreading more nonsense [to those few Americans left who are still uninformed], for another year.

Its hard enough to get some Americans to pay attention. Adolf Hitler once said, "What good fortune for governments that the people do not think."

Let's let it be known in our History books that America is wiser now; after having been lied to and let down by its leader.

Jack Jett   July 22nd, 2007 3:20 pm ET

There is a growing net roots movement to have the bush chimp removed from office.

At this point, impeachment is the only answer.

George Bush You Are Fired!

jack jett

Glenn,B'ham,Al   July 22nd, 2007 3:45 pm ET

If my history serves me right only 22% of the people supported the War Between The States. Lincoln thought that it was worth the effort. Also there is no support for a censure. Work on health insurance or some other policy change that has a chance.

Ed Reinecke, Ames Iowa   July 22nd, 2007 4:03 pm ET

Go Russ!

Mrs. America   July 22nd, 2007 4:03 pm ET

Harry Reid's quote: “The president already has the mark of the American people that he’s the worst president we’ve ever had, and I don’t think we need a censure resolution in the Senate to prove that,” he said.

Well said. Time should be used constructively.

TA, Boston, MA   July 22nd, 2007 4:20 pm ET

Another marvelously brilliant waste of time. How is this going to resolve the Iraq issue? How is this going to help keep America safe from acts of terrorism while maintaining people's rights? What about the immigration issue or health care reform? I'd rather see some actual progress being made by our government instead of the constant bickering I'm seeing between the parties as of late that have our Government at a standstill. I give President Bush this much credit, at least he actually does something. History will be written regardless of what Feingold presents. Our government has already wasted enough time pointing fingers and blame on this very same issue. Move on.

sharon Jenson Atonville, Ca   July 22nd, 2007 4:36 pm ET

Um, Glen B:

Its the year 2007; please choose a more comparable historical figure to Bush than Lincoln. For that matter, try and choose a more comparable war!

It is absolutely pertinent to proceed with the censure; it will inform so many Americans; which has proven to help evoke a positive change.

There are enough Democrats in our office now that they can work on more than ONE item at a time people, please?!

Do not accuse this man of wasting his time by exposing Bush! It is an ugly task, but needs to be done.

Glenda G Joseph, Tampa FL   July 22nd, 2007 4:40 pm ET

Harry Reid's comment reveal exactly what is wrong with congress. They are so myopic and without vision it makes me want to cry. The worst thing about the brazen abuse of law by the Bush administration is the dangerous precedent it sets for future administrations. He has taken the U.S. down a road future generations will curse. A road devoid of former rights and liberties. In short, it's about the CONSTITUTION Mr. Reid, the CONSTITUTION!!!

JC, Michigan   July 22nd, 2007 4:46 pm ET

Dear Mrs. America, who says time would be used constructively?
I support both resolutions but my dream is that Cheney, Bush and Reid all retire (and soon, very soon.)

lipper America   July 22nd, 2007 6:02 pm ET

I am horrified at the logic that says 'give Pres. Bush credit, at least he does something'……..if everything you do is wrong and/or illegal that's ok because you're 'doing something?' Stunning!

Kathie, Spring, TX   July 22nd, 2007 8:00 pm ET

I would like to add that its about time, I wish Feingold a lot of luck but it will never happen. Pelosi came into office shooting her big mouth off but they have done nothing but point fingers at each other. As long as all of their pockets are being lined and that big paycheck keepscoming, nothing will get done. They don't give a damn about the American People.

mk, co   July 22nd, 2007 9:11 pm ET

Since the Republicans in congress - with very few exceptions - are determined to block every single initiative that comes before it, whether Bush supports it or not (eg, immigration), and that which the congress does send to Bush, he vetoes out of hand (eg, child health insurance)… why not censure? Why not impeachment while they're at it? Proceeding from censure to impeachment for Bush, Cheney, and Gonzales might be the most productive expenditure of congressional energy there is. Tie this administration up in knots from now until January '08. That's my notion of running out the clock.

Paul Grad, Cave Junction, Oregon   July 22nd, 2007 9:19 pm ET

"Russ is going to have to make his case as to why…"
It seems Senator Reid thinks passing a few more bills is more important than protecting the Bill of Rights. No wonder America has contempt for the Democratic congress. Feingold was the only senator to vote against the unpatriotic Patriot Act. He has true grit. Thank you, senator, for trying to protect my privacy rights.

LQ ROCHESTER MN   July 22nd, 2007 9:26 pm ET

This Congress isn't going to accomplish much anyway with Bush having veto power. I say censure him, Cheney and the whole greedy miserable lot of them. Or better yet - start with impeaching Cheney

Carl, Pittsburgh, PA   July 22nd, 2007 11:39 pm ET

A Senate censure of Bush is a waste of time. Congress needs to agressively move to impeach both Bush and Cheney. It is the only way to effect a change in foreign policy…especially in Iraq. What good is there in debating resolutions that will not get 60 votes or can be vetoed by the White House? Congress debates while more American troops die each day. Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi need to start playing hardball. IMPEACH BUSH & CHENEY NOW!

Paul, Ohio   July 23rd, 2007 12:35 am ET

Go Russ!

Steve, Owatonnna MN   July 23rd, 2007 9:22 am ET

A house devided against itself cannot stand. This congress and this country need to stop the internal bickering and get stuff done. Russ Feingold appears to have the desire to further devide this country instead of doing the work he was elected to do. The easiest thing to do is to be a critic, anyone can criticize, just like the bullies in school. Russ are you a bully? Just do your job!

Anonymous   July 23rd, 2007 1:40 pm ET

Senator Feingold made a very compelling argument on "Meet the Press".

He is one of the most intelligent Senators we have in D.C. Russ is exactly right, we need to defend our principles and remind the White House just how outraged the American people are. The Bush Administration track record of: dishonesty, secrecy, hiding from congressional inquiries, lies and partronizing the American public to the point of being downright offensive to our intelligence.

Thank you Russ, for having a pair - unlike Reid and others whom are too wimpy to support your moderate proposal.

Already polls are showing a majority of Americans favor impeachment…censure is a good compromise considering this.

Kris, Twin Cities, MN   July 23rd, 2007 1:52 pm ET

And you honestly think this will have any impact whatsoever? Lets face reality here. Anyone can write numerous statements against this so called person in power, but what will it really do? Just raise peoples hopes to just let us down yet again, b/c we all know who will shut it all down.

I have lost all faith in our government, and I am starting to believe that the "power of the people" has flown the coop.

Jon, Sacramento ~ Ca   July 23rd, 2007 2:22 pm ET

The fact is - when politicians resort to name-calling, it's because they are impotent.

Liberals are frothing for SOMETHING to be done to address their psychosis for conspiracy theories. Maddening these frustrated constituents is the fact Reid and Pelosi realize there is NOTHING that can be done. Love them or hate them - this administration has attempted to fight terrorism (Afghanistan, removing Hussein, wire-tapping, coercing captive terrorist to cooperate, etc). Call the effort mismanaged, inefficient, wasteful - fine. Censure and/or impeachment from the "Bush lied" campaign will overplay your hand and will turn centrist Americans against your cause.

If Democrats wish to be successful in '08 - they would be wise to listen to their leaders (Reid/Pelosi) and not the crackpots calling for impeachment.

But .. as a conservative… I say go for it!

Rick, Chicago Illinois   July 25th, 2007 3:06 am ET

Again CNN doesn't post my response to Tom.

Imagine THAT?

Maybe I should just keep posting it till my hands fall off?

Rick, Chicago Illinois   July 25th, 2007 3:08 am ET

Again CNN doesn't post my response to Golden Oak

Imagine THAT!

Maybe I should just keep posting it till my hands fall off?

Rick, Chicago Illinois   July 25th, 2007 1:16 pm ET

Lets' see if CNN posts it THIS time shall we?

Jon, Sacramento Ca …"this administration has attempted to fight terrorism (Afghanistan, removing Hussein, wire-tapping, coercing captive terrorist to cooperate, etc)"

and it failed miserably!

God forbid congress should make official - with a permanent historical black mark - what the vast majority of the people in this country already know. This administration is a disgrace.

Now let's check that list of yours …

"Afghanistan": You mean letting the Taliban gather strength in Afghanistan cuz it funneled a vast majority of its resources into Iraq instead? We’re currently spending FIVE TIMES more money on Iraq per month than we are on Afghansitan.

"Removing Hussein": you mean paying HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS OF DOLLARS to: hang a guy and destabilize Iraq with the religious zealots Saddam took care of FOR us; empower Iran; and cause a civil war (that Dubya was warned was waiting in the wings) that our troops are now in the middle of? All by removing Saddam who never had what we accused him of having in the first place?

"Wire-Tapping": You mean starting an ILLEGAL wiretapping that never needed to be done in the first place since they could already start wiretapping AT ANY TIME and there was already an exception made in the law for emergency circumstances? The ILLEGAL wiretapping that we later found out (much to this administration's dismay) wasn't just limited to wiretapping? And also included DOMESTIC CALLS?

"coercing captive terrorist to cooperate": You mean coercing SUSPECTED terrorists (many of whom are found INNOCENT AT TRIAL) to cooperate via ILLEGAL means (according by Geneva Convention rules) we certainly wouldn't want used vs our OWN captives? In secret prisons this administration first insisted didn't exist?

Yeah! BRAVO for all that!

You DON'T get credit for FAILING - especially when it's due to astounding ignorance of what you were clearly warned about in advance.

And "centrist Americans" know it!

People say doing nothing is bad. But you know what's worse than doing nothing? Doing the WRONG thing.

Repeatedly.

You need to come up with some Bush "positives" that I can't so easily shoot down.

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