House Approves Resolution On Iraq

WASHINGTON, October 10, 2002 - House Republican Conference Chairman J.C. Watts, Jr. (R-Okla.) delivered the following statement on the Floor of the U.S. House of Representatives:



"Mister Speaker, I rise to support the resolution before the House today.

"Our nation and our military may very well need to right the wrongs being perpetrated from an evil dictatorship in Iraq. Saddam Hussein poses a long-term threat that could jeopardize the freedoms and the way of life enjoyed by Americans from coast to coast, border to border - a threat that grows more menacing over time.

"I have listened to some of the debate over the last twenty-four hours, and it's been said time and time again that there's no evidence that Saddam Hussein is an imminent threat. Friends, I would say to all who would say that: if you want evidence, look no further than September 11, 2001.

"I am pleased that, unlike past administrations, the current president has sought congressional approval for possible military action and has worked diligently with Congress to craft a resolution that is both appropriate and constitutional. There are very few things Congress is explicitly given the sole authority to execute. Declaring war is one of them. Article One, Section Eight is very clear on that point. These twenty-four-plus hours reserved for debate on this question is more than we debated Haiti, Bosnia and Kosovo combined. President Bush should be commended for acknowledging Congress's authority with regard to any military action in Iraq.

"Mister Speaker, this leads us to the merits of authorizing such a serious action. Putting our armed forces into harm's way should never be an easy decision for anyone. As one who represents a district with two significant Air Force bases and a large Army post, I have talked with countless active duty personnel and military families during my service in Congress. The pilots, airmen, soldiers and other highly trained heroes at Tinker Air Force Base, Altus Air Force Base, and Fort Sill Army Post are my friends. They're my neighbors. They're my constituents. I care deeply for these brave Americans.

"I also know they would give their life for our liberty. They understand, like so many people across the country, that freedom is not free. Liberty is not easy. Keeping the peace often requires sacrifice. America did not become the leader of the free world by looking the other way to heinous atrocities and unspeakable evils.

"The president told the nation this past Monday that Iraq has a massive stockpile of chemical and biological weapons that has never been accounted for that is capable of killing millions and millions of people. Surveillance photos reveal that the regime is rebuilding facilities it used to produce chemical, biological and nuclear weapons.

"Mark my words on the latter form of destruction. The moment Saddam Hussein acquires a nuclear weapon is the moment the world is even more dangerous - is in grave danger. I hope my colleagues will reflect deeply on this chilling possibility.

"Some people have pondered whether a military strike in Iraq would be just. Will the action of our government constitute a Just War?

"Saint Augustine, the father of Just War theory, said: 'A Just War is wont to be described as one that avenges wrongs, when a nation or state has to be punished, for refusing to make amends for the wrongs inflicted by its subjects, or to restore what it has seized unjustly.'

"This Congress must decide whether the situation in Iraq warrants military response. I am with the president. I believe this vote supports the Just War theory when Saint Augustine wrote: 'We do not seek peace in order to be at war, but we go to war that we may have peace.'

"Saddam Hussein has murdered his own people. His record on human rights is abysmal. He has aided and abetted terrorists. He hates America. He hates freedom. He hates independence. He hates our allies. He hates us.

"Mister Speaker, at this very hour, we know a tyrant in Iraq is devising great evil. We know harm is inevitable if nuclear weapons are indeed acquired by Saddam Hussein. As testimony by a former Iraqi scientist before the Armed Services Committee revealed last week, Saddam is on a break-neck pace to acquire those very weapons. I hope my colleagues put their trust and confidence in our military - America's sons and daughters who love freedom and love liberty - to wage a worthy and just cause.

"Military options are the president's last choice. But we must give him the prerogative if the situation in Iraq requires the use of force. I urge the House to pass this legislation to support the president, support our armed forces and support freedom throughout the world. We will prevail, as the president said. We must prevail. Vote yes on this resolution."