Freedom for Iranians- at least Dan Burton cares...

Perhaps we've been simply too focused on Michael Jackson and other meaningless drivel to pay attention to the things that matter- like those in Iran dying for the cause of freedom.

It may have been 230 years ago, but we were once like the Iranians- protesting the dictatorial actions off a "king" who understood little about our daily lives.  Gutsy Americans like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and others risked everything (even their lives) for our freedom.  In the same way, Jefferson's and Washington's are protesting in the streets today.

However, we've reacted with a collective yawn.  The Obama administration has merely expressed that he's appalled and outraged.  That's virtual approval for their behavior in foreign affairs speak.  There's not even a UN resolution proposed (the usual place for Democrat Presidents to run and hide).

I am encouraged, however, that Rep. Dan Burton is willing to stand for them.

Burton Files Discharge Petition For Iran Sanctions Bill
After Months of Bipartisan Iran Sanctions Bill Sitting Idle, Burton Employs Legislative Maneuver In Bid To Force A Vote

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Burton (R-IN), Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia, filed a discharge petition in a bid to force the House to consider the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act, which was introduced by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Howard Berman (D-CA).  If the petition garners 218 signatures, the House Rules Committee will be discharged from any further consideration of H. Res. 460 (a rule that would provide for consideration of the Berman bill) and Rep. Burton can then call the bill up on the House floor for debate and a subsequent vote.  After filing the petition, Rep. Burton issued the following statement:

"To date, Iran has ignored the calls of the international community to stop its nuclear enrichment program.  Because of this, I believe it is necessary to put more pressure on the Iranian regime by expanding the 1996 sanctions.

"Chairman Berman has introduced HR 2194, the Iran Petroleum Sanctions Act, and it currently has 238 cosponsors - enough to achieve passage in the House.  However, it is my opinion that this bipartisan legislation has been shelved largely because of President Obama's desire to take a softer stance toward Iran.  Even so, I believe the position of the United States should be clear when it comes to oppressive regimes developing a nuclear arsenal and antagonizing our allies.

"I hope every current cosponsor of these expanded sanctions against Iran joins me in signing this discharge petition so that the House can send a clear and unified message to the Iranian regime - we will not tolerate their continued threats against Israel, and we will not accommodate their pursuit of nuclear weapons."

Background on the process for this discharge petition:

H.R. 2194, the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act, was introduced on April 30, 2009, by Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Howard Berman.

Although H.R. 2194 has garnered 238 cosponsors, the bill has not moved from the Foreign Affairs Committee.  In order to circumvent the Committee markup process, Rep. Dan Burton introduced H. Res. 460 on May 20, 2009, to the House Rules Committee.  H. Res. 460 provides for the consideration of H.R. 2194.

After waiting for the requisite 30 days of Committee inaction to pass, Rep. Burton has petitioned to discharge H. Res. 460 from the Rules Committee.  If 218 Members sign the petition, Rep. Burton can then bring it to the House for consideration.  Assuming all 218 signatories vote for H. Res. 460, then H.R. 2194 would be brought to the House floor for a vote, and all 238 cosponsors and other supporting Members would have the opportunity to vote for expanding sanctions on Iran without further interference from House Committees.