Mike Capuano: “I voted in favor H. Res. 523. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's threats against Israel are appalling and contemptible. I…”

“I voted in favor H. Res. 523. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's threats against Israel are appalling and contemptible. I believe that all nations should strongly condemn these remarks. However, I do not want my vote to be misconstrued as a vote in support of a carte blanche measure to wage war against Iran, or any other country. The language in this resolution calls on ``all civilized nations to consider measures to deny Iran the means to carry out its threats and to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.'' This statement means just that, all nations should consider measures against Iran, it does not authorize the use of force against Iran. I share the world's concern about Iran acquiring weapons of mass destruction and it is imperative that we continue to pursue diplomatic avenues. I do not support, at this time, the use of military force and my vote in favor of this resolution is and should not be interpreted as a vote authorizing such action.”