Rep. Connie Mack Introduces Resolution to Condemn Ousted President of Honduras

As President Obama speaks up for the ousted president of Honduras, a Republican congressman has introduced a resolution to condemn Manuel Zelaya for having "trampled" his country's constitution.

Florida Rep. Connie Mack introduced a measure Wednesday that would express official disapproval of Zelaya's ties to Venezuela's Hugo Chavez and his move to change presidential term limits. It would express "strong support" for the people of Honduras.

"Manuel Zelaya's record on quashing freedom looked like it was ripped from Hugo Chavez's playbook. Zelaya trampled the Honduran Constitution, pushing for an illegal referendum to allow him to rule indefinitely," Mack said in a written statement.

"The United States and freedom-loving nations across the globe must stand with the Honduran people during this state of upheaval. We urge a legal and peaceful resolution to this crisis that respects freedom, the rule of law and democracy," he said.

Several Republican colleagues had signed on as co-sponsors, Mack said.

But the Obama administration has voiced support for Zelaya, despite his record.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met with Zelaya this week, announcing that Costa Rica's president would serve as a mediator to help resolve the crisis.

And Obama said that the United States supports the "restoration of the democratically elected president of Honduras, even though he has strongly opposed American policies."

The president said he takes this stance out of "respect" for democratic principles.

Roberto Micheletti took over as the Honduran leader after Zelaya was forced out of office.