U.S. Rep. Wayne T. Gilchrest (R-Maryland-1st) is leading an effort in Congress to ask President Bush to begin talks with Iran as soon as possible in hopes of averting another conflict in the Middle East.

In a letter sent to the President Friday, signed by 19 bipartisan members of the House, Gilchrest and his colleagues suggested that the last 26 years of a "no negotiation" policy has not yielded any positive results. By opening a dialogue with Tehran, the President can begin to try to solve this nuclear impasse diplomatically.

"If we hope to convince the American people, our allies, and the international community that we are committed to resolving this matter diplomatically, the U.S. must open up direct diplomatic channels with Tehran,” the letter stated.

The letter also suggested that while talks with Iran’s President may not be productive, there are other leaders and groups in Iran that would be receptive to such outreach.

"We remind you that decision-making power under Iran’s government is diffuse. Although we are all familiar with the inflammatory rhetoric of President Ahmadinejad, there are certainly other significant government bodies in Iran that have demonstrated moderation and an eagerness for dialogue. We believe that such bodies should be sought out for engagement."

"There are seldom occasions in history where a great country should fear dialogue with a potential adversary. On the contrary, dialogue is needed to explain clearly the compelling nature of America’s objectives in the Middle East. More than 25 years of isolating Iran has moved us farther from, not closer to, achieving these goals. No one can dispute that the U.S. has a strong track record of diplomatic successes in autocratic societies after opening negotiation channels.

"We believe America’s diplomats are the best in the world and should be allowed to apply their talents to our conflict with Iran. We therefore respectfully urge you to begin the process of holding direct talks with Iran as soon as possible."

Other members who have signed the letter include: Gil Gutknecht (R-Minnesota), Ron Paul (R-Texas), Vic Snyder (D-Arkansas), John R. "Randy" Kuhl Jr. (R-New York), Roscoe Bartlett (R-Maryland), Jim Kolbe (R-Arizona), Elijah Cummings (D-Maryland), Earl Blumenauer (D-Oregon), John J. Duncan Jr. (R-Tennessee), David Price (D-North Carolina), Jim Leach (R-Iowa), John Olver (D–Massachusetts), Walter Jones, (R-North Carolina), Peter DeFazio (D-Oregon), Joe Schwartz (R-Michigan), Maurice Hinchey (D-New York), Phil English (R-Pennsylvania), C.L. "Butch" Otter (D-Idaho).