Congress Needs To Speak Up On War
Lawmakers Can't Be Merely Cheerleaders Of Bush Policies

WASHINGTON -- If we are to believe the Republican leadership, members of Congress must turn into robots, give up their right of dissent and get on board the president's wartime bandwagon as cheerleaders.

That was the eye-opening conclusion to be drawn from the hysterical GOP response last week to Senate Majority leader Tom Daschle's remarks that the administration needs to provide lawmakers with a "clearer understanding" of where the war on terrorism is headed.

Daschle's comments followed the questions raised by Sen. Robert C. Byrd, chairman of the Appropriations Committee, and other Democrats about the war's price-tag and direction. Byrd warned the Defense Department not to expect additional funding for the war without a clear explanation of the administration's goals.


Until then, the Democratic leaders had remained silent and had praised President George W. Bush's conduct of the war.

Finally, they have the nerve to ask questions on plans for phase II of the war and the U.S. troop presence in places beyond Afghanistan. It's about time.