Lee pitches resolution on Iraq memo

Oakland Tribune

An Oakland representative introduced a resolution Thursday demanding answers from the White House about the "Downing Street memo" suggesting intelligence was "fixed" to justify the war in Iraq.
"Americans deserve to know the truth about the circumstances under which our troops were sent to war," U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, said in a news release.

Lee's bill, which has 26 co-sponsors, would require the president and secretary of state to give Congress all information relating to the administration's communication with British officials regarding U.S. policy in Iraq between Jan, 1, 2002, and Oct. 16, 2002, the latter date being when Congress authorized the use of force in Iraq.

Lee spokesman Nathan Britton said it's a privileged resolution, meaning that if it's not taken up in the House International Relations Committee within 14 legislative days — sometime in mid-September — Lee can and will demand that it be debated and voted upon on the House floor.

Lee is among members of Congress who will hold town meetings on the memo and the war this weekend. Her meeting will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Grand Lake Theatre, 3200 Grand Ave., Oakland.

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