Dems To Bush: Consult Congress On Iraq

More than 50 Democratic members of Congress sent a letter to President Bush on Friday, urging him to consult with Congress before he enters into a long-standing “status of forces agreement” — or SOFA, as it has become known on the Hill — with the government of Iraq.

The letter expresses concern that such an agreement could oblige the United States to militarily defend the Iraqi state in the future, given the weight of a treaty. It also tells Bush that failure to consult with Congress is a violation of State Department rules.

The letter was authored by Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), who has sponsored legislation that would force the president to consult Congress, and Rep. Bill Delahunt (D-Mass.), who has held hearings on the legality and implications of the agreement.

“Our long-term relationship with Iraq is one of the most important issues facing our country, and for the administration to try to present this to Congress and the American people as a fait accompli is not acceptable,” DeLauro said in a statement.

The full missive after the jump …
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