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  Date / Time: 6/21/2009 1:58 AM UTC

  Congress condemns Iran's crackdown on protests USE UMBERLA ?
  

  The House has voted to condemn Tehran’s crackdown on demonstrators and the government’s interference with Internet and cellphone communications, the Associated Press reports. The vote was 405-1, with two members voting present, The Hill reports. Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) cast the lone dissent.
  Here is the text of the resolution:
  
  The House of Representatives expresses its support for all Iranian citizens who embrace the values of freedom, human rights, civil liberties, and the rule of law; condemns the ongoing violence against demonstrators by the government of Iran and pro-government militias, as well as the ongoing government suppression of independent electronic communication through interference with the Internet and cellphones; and affirms the universality of individual rights and the importance of democratic and fair elections.
  The resolution was initiated by Republicans as a veiled criticism of President Obama, the AP says.
  
  The AP notes that Congress frequently weighs in on foreign policy matters, when a similar message from the State Department or the White House would be considered confrontational.
  
  Politico reports that a tougher resolution was toned down following intervention by the Obama administraton.
  
  Politico, quoting unidentified people familiar with the situation, says the White House argued successfully that "a harsh bill would provide Teheran with an excuse to drag America into their internal debate."
  
  Update at 4:12 p.m. ET: Following the House, the Senate has passed an identical resolution. It also passed a separate resolution, by Sen. Ted Kaufman (D-Del.), that condemns restrictions on the media in Iran
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