Another California Rep In Syria

After President George W. Bush slammed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for traveling to Syria, another California member of Congress has gone there as well. This time, it's Republican Rep. Darrell Issa from the San Diego area. Issa, who helped finance the 2003 recall election that brought Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to power, said Bush had failed to make meaningful progress with Syria:

"That's an important message to realize: We have tensions, but we have two functioning embassies," Issa told reporters after separate meetings with Assad and Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem.

Bush has rejected direct talks with Syria, saying others have tried the tactic but without result. White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe said Thursday the administration had a clear line on Congress members — Democrat or Republican — going to Syria.

"We do not think it's productive; we do not think it is useful," Johndroe said, adding that such visits "only makes (the Syrians) feel validated.

In the photo, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem, right, meets with Issa, left, in Damascus. (Photo: Bassem Tellawi/AP)