[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 118 (Tuesday, September 3, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S9682]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                  IRAQ

  Mr. DASCHLE. This morning, the President of the United States ordered 
the use of cruise missiles against key strategic targets in Iraq. 
President Clinton noted in his address that despite clear warnings from 
the United States and the international community, Iraqi forces 
attacked and seized the Kurdish-controlled city of Irbil. Iraq's latest 
attack repeats a pattern the civilized world has seen before. Saddam 
Hussein is prepared to use force at any time to achieve his end, to 
threaten his neighbors, to terrorize his own people, and to undermine 
the stability of the entire Middle East.
  This act of naked aggression violates the spirit if not the letter of 
the United Nations' resolution adopted shortly after Saddam's earlier 
misguided attempts at transforming the balance of power in the Middle 
East. President Clinton correctly stated that if we did not respond 
firmly and decisively at this time, Saddam would conclude he could act 
with impunity.
  The purpose of the U.S. military action is twofold: First, Saddam 
must pay a price for his attack on the Kurds; second, by extending the 
no-fly zone and eliminating certain air defense assets, we have reduced 
the threat he poses to others. To our allies and to others overseas, 
President Clinton and the United States will continue to do all that is 
necessary to protect our national and our international interests. And 
the President will continue to consult closely with our allies as he 
did before taking this action.
  Finally, I am optimistic that all Americans will set aside partisan 
political differences and stand behind the administration at this 
important time. Senator Dole's latest comments indicate that he 
supports the United States strikes, and I am pleased to know that 
others in his party have had similar reactions. I expect strong, if not 
unanimous, bipartisan support for the President's decision to launch a 
United States strike against Iraq this morning.
  As I indicated earlier today, it will be my intention to work with 
the majority leader to propose a resolution of support for the 
President's actions later today, to be voted upon tomorrow.
  Mr. President, I hope Saddam Hussein and those who are in control of 
the Iraqi Government clearly understand the resolve and the 
determination of this administration and this country. This may be a 
political year, and we may now be in the most contentious time of the 
entire Presidential campaign, but on this issue there can be no 
disunity. There can be no lack of cohesion. We stand united, 
Republicans and Democrats, determined to send as clear a message with 
as clear a resolve as we can articulate: Saddam Hussein's actions will 
not be tolerated. His willingness to brutally attack Kurds in northern 
Iraq and abrogate U.N. resolutions is simply unacceptable.
  We intend to make that point clear with the use of force, with the 
use of legislative language, and with the use of other actions that the 
President and the Congress have at their disposal. We stand united in 
support of the President's commitment to stand up against Iraq's 
aggression, and we should continue to demonstrate our support for the 
administration's response in the weeks and months ahead, regardless of 
the actions taken by Saddam Hussein.
  I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. COVERDELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. COVERDELL. Parliamentary inquiry, Mr. President: It is my 
understanding that from the hour of 12:30 until 2 o'clock that time is 
allotted to either myself or a designee.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator is correct.

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