From Congressman Adam Smith

This is my Response From Congressman Smith rergarding the Rice confirmation vote




Dear T. Scott,

Thank you for contacting me with your opposition to Secretary of State Condolezza Rice. I appreciate hearing your comments, and I'd like to take a moment to respond.

On Wednesday, January 26th, the United States Senate confirmed Dr. Rice by a vote of 85-13. The Constitution gives the Senate the power to advise and consent to nominations by the President, and as such the House plays no role in confirming the President's nominees.

I share your concerns about the role Dr. Rice played in the lead-up to the war in Iraq. It seems apparent now that the Bush administration - including Dr. Rice in her role as National Security Advisor - made more of the intelligence than was there. Rather than make a substantive case for war based on the facts, the President and his top aides warned of mushroom clouds and smoking guns. While I believe that Saddam Hussein's behavior did demand a serious response, I don't think it was right for the President or Dr. Rice to make exaggerated claims about the threat that Iraq posed.

As a member of the House International Relations Committee, which has oversight of the State Department and its programs, please be assured that I will monitor Dr. Rice's performance closely as she assumes her new role.

Thank you again for contacting me with your concerns about Dr. Rice, and if you have any further concerns or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me again.

Adam Smith
Member of Congress