[House Document 108-54]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]



                                     

108th Congress, 1st Session - - - - - - - - - - - - - House Document 108-54


 
 A REPORT CONSISTENT WITH THE WAR POWERS RESOLUTION REGARDING THE USE 
                    OF MILITARY FORCE AGAINST IRAQ

                               __________

                             COMMUNICATION

                                  From

                   THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

                              Transmitting

  A REPORT CONSISTENT WITH THE WAR POWERS RESOLUTION THAT HE DIRECTED 
 U.S. ARMED FORCES, OPERATING WITH OTHER COALITION FORCES, TO COMMENCE 
           COMBAT OPERATIONS ON MARCH 19, 2003, AGAINST IRAQ




 March 24, 2003.--Referred to the Committee on International Relations 
                       and ordered to be printed
                                           The White House,
                                        Washington, March 21, 2003.
Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
Speaker of the House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
    Dear Mr. Speaker: On March 18, 2003, I made available to 
you, consistent with section 3(b) of the Authorization for Use 
of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (Public Law 
107-243), my determination that further diplomatic and other 
peaceful means alone will neither adequately protect the 
national security of the United States against the continuing 
threat posed by Iraq, nor lead to enforcement of all relevant 
United Nations Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq.
    I have reluctantly concluded, along with other coalition 
leaders, that only the use of armed force will accomplish these 
objectives and restore international peace and security in the 
area. I have also determined that the use of armed force 
against Iraq is consistent with the United States and other 
countries continuing to take the necessary actions against 
international terrorists and terrorist organizations, including 
those nations, organizations, or persons who planned, 
authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that 
occurred on September 11, 2001. United States objectives also 
support a transition to democracy in Iraq, as contemplated by 
the Iraq Liberation Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-338).
    Consistent with the War Powers Resolution (Public Law 93-
148), I now inform you that pursuant to my authority as 
Commander in Chief and consistent with the Authorization for 
Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution (Public Law 102-
1) and the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq 
Resolution of 2002 (Public Law 107-243), I directed U.S. Armed 
Forces, operating with other coalition forces, to commence 
combat operations on March 19, 2003, against Iraq.
    These military operations have been carefully planned to 
accomplish our goals with the minimum loss of life among 
coalition military forces and to innocent civilians. It is not 
possible to know at this time either the duration of active 
combat operations or the scope of duration of the deployment of 
U.S. Armed Forces necessary to accomplish our goals fully.
    As we continue our united efforts to disarm Iraq in pursuit 
of peace, stability, and security both in the Gulf region and 
in the United States, I look forward to our continued 
consultation and cooperation.
            Sincerely,
                                                    George W. Bush.

                                
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