With overwhelming bipartisan support, the House of Representatives yesterday passed a H. Res. 560, condemning the recent violent attacks by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and pro-government militias on peaceful demonstrators, and widespread suppression of journalism in the wake of the controversial re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

The resolution, which was co-authored by Democrat Howard Berman of California and Republican Mike Pence of Ohio,- expresses "support for all Iranian citizens who embrace the values of freedom, human rights, civil liberties, and the rule of law."  The final vote on the bill was 405 in favor, and just 1 opposed.

The lone dissent came from Texas Republican Ron Paul, the libertarian physician and House veteran who ran for the GOP presidential nomination in 2008.  In a statement, Paul made the reasoning behind his "no" vote clear:

"It seems our criticism is selective and applied when there are political points to be made. I have admired President Obama’s cautious approach to the situation in Iran and I would have preferred that we in the House had acted similarly.  I adhere to the foreign policy of our Founders, who advised that we not interfere in the internal affairs of countries overseas."

President Obama has been extremely cautious in his approach to the developing situation in the Middle East.  Earlier this week, the White House voiced its shared concern with protestors over the controversial results of the Presidential election, which saw Ahmadinejad reelected over opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi, who had gained considerable support in the run up to election day.  However, Obama made it clear that the United States has no intention to interfere in the internal affairs of the foreign government.

The Iranian government has nonetheless accused the United States of "meddling."  But despite the White House's best efforts to remain at arms' length, Obama has also been criticized for what some feel has been a failure to speak out definitively against the media suppression and violence against peacably assembled democratic protestors.  In fact, White House officials worked with House Democrats late into the night prior to the vote on the bill to soften its language.

Still, the conditions in Iran continues to change and develop.  Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei took to the pulpit during midday prayer to condemn the interference of what he called "our enemies," and later warned protestors that- if they refuse to end demonstrations immediately- they'll be responsible for the ensuing "bloodshed and chaos."