[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 153 (Thursday, December 17, 1998)]
[House]
[Pages H11736-H11748]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair would remind all Members that they 
should not make reference to Senators' comments.
  Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from 
Maryland (Mr. Gilchrest), a Vietnam veteran.
  Mr. GILCHREST. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the 
time.
  I want to make two quick points on the floor this morning. The first 
point is that this is a representative body, based on constitutional 
provisions that provide for differences of opinion. The strength of 
this country is that we, as Representatives, critically analyze the 
decisions of other elected officials and even the President. So for us 
to discuss the issue of an invasion of Iraq is totally proper.
  The other issue I want to bring up is that all of us, regardless of 
our party

[[Page H11737]]

and regardless of our perspective on this issue, have total and 
absolute support when we focus on those troops in the Persian Gulf. 
Those troops in the Persian Gulf have our heartfelt, secure support 
that what they are doing is just. And we wish them an absolute 
successful mission and we await their arrival back home.
  We wish them all a happy holiday.
  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Farr).
  (Mr. Farr of California asked and was given permission to revise and 
extend his remarks.)
  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the troops 
and in support of the Commander in Chief of the troops, the President 
of the United States.
  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Etheridge).
  (Mr. ETHERIDGE asked and was given permission to revise and extend 
his remarks.)
  Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of our Commander in 
Chief, the President, and our soldiers who are on the front line today 
in the Gulf and in Saudi Arabia.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the military strike by 
American and allied forces against the Saddam Hussein regime in Iraq.
  For far too long, Saddam Hussein has felt free to defy the 
international community. For far too long, he has menaced his own 
people and threatened his neighbors in the region. For far too long, he 
has failed to live up to his obligations under the terms that ended the 
Persian Gulf War. For far too long, he has sought to develop weapons of 
mass destruction and the means to deliver them. Our exertion of 
military strength against his regime is an appropriate step to 
communicate to Saddam that he cannot continue his outlaw ways with 
impunity.
  All Americans should pray for the safe return of our men and women in 
uniform as they embark on this inherently dangerous but necessary, 
mission. Let me state clearly that no one bears any ill will toward the 
Iraqi people. In fact, the actions of Saddam Hussein and his regime 
have long constituted the greatest threat to the security of the Iraqi 
people. In the spirit of the holidays, let us all hope that today's 
action may advance the day when Peace on Earth can become reality.
  As a veteran of the United States Army, I know that our military 
personnel will perform their duties with professionalism, diligence and 
bravery. I am also confident that the leadership of my fellow North 
Carolinian, General Hugh Shelton, will help bring this action to 
successful conclusion. I call on all Americans to support this mission 
and our men and women in uniform.
  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
Connecticut (Mr. Gejdenson), distinguished ranking member on the 
Committee on International Relations.
  Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend particularly the 
gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spence) and a number of my 
colleagues on the other side for their actions here today. There is a 
difference in the timing of the use of force. I think there is no 
question that many of the colleagues on the Republican side of the 
aisle and some on the Democratic side of the aisle would have acted 
earlier. We will never know whether that would have been a better 
policy or a worst policy policy.
  One of the reasons I trust this President's use of force is that he 
has consistently been reluctant to use it and with the post-Soviet era, 
where we no longer can intimidate our friends and allies that if you do 
not go along with us, you will be overrun by the Communist hoards, it 
has been his reluctance to use force that has given him wide public and 
international support when he used it.
  This President was elected and spent years trying to solve the 
Yugoslavian situation without force. Not until 1995 did he begin 
substantial air strikes that finally brought people to the table and 
the Dayton agreement of 1995.

                              {time}  1200

  In Haiti the deadline for force was September 18. General Colin 
Powell, Sam Nunn and former President Carter called the President up 
and said, give us 24 hours more. It is a hard thing to do. The whole 
world is watching. Is he blinking? Does he really hope to get an 
agreement without bloodshed?
  The President took that political risk, and 24 hours later American 
forces could land without any fire, without the loss of life on our 
side or theirs. And the same is here. The President could have said, 
gee, the letter had not reached me and therefore the strikes occurred 
on November 15. But I think what the President did again is recognize 
the world's concern about the one superpower and so he sent a very 
clear message, I will take every possible step not to use force.
  When Saddam Hussein acted again, I met with the President, and I said 
this and I think every member of this House ought to understand it, the 
only considerations in this decision were and ought to be American 
national security and the security of our forces in the region. We have 
a Secretary of Defense who is a Republican. We have a Secretary of 
State who has an outstanding record unmatched. They understood and they 
spoke to us, telling us this decision was made on the facts. The 
military individuals, our top foreign policy and defense advisors said 
take this action now, the President has done the right thing. And I 
applaud again my friends on the other side of the aisle for their 
support of the Commander in Chief and our troops in the field.
  Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Diaz-Balart).
  (Mr. DIAZ-BALART asked and was given permission to revise and extend 
his remarks.)
  Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the armed forces 
of the United States of America and specifically House Resolution 612.
  Mr. Speaker, At this extraordinary time in our nation's history, no 
one should doubt for a moment that Americans are a people of strong 
resolve and a people who take our country's international 
responsibilities seriously. Last night, like every other time in the 
past, the men and women of our Armed Services answered to call to duty 
and risked their own lives to preserve our freedoms.
  We owe them a debt of gratitude. It is fitting, therefore, that we 
gather today to express the support of the American people for their 
service and for their mission. And we do this unreservedly.
  Saddam Hussein, the Iraqi dictator, has continued his provocation and 
intransigence in the face of international condemnation and warnings. 
It is imperative that he not be allowed to manufacture weapons of mass 
destruction. He has, since 1980 demonstrated his willingness to attack 
his neighbors and threaten the peace and stability of the Middle East. 
This in turn is a direct threat to the national interests of the United 
States.
  From all reports, our military forces have acted with bravery and 
professionalism to minimize injury to Iraqi civilians. We are all aware 
that taking such care often places our own pilots at greater threat to 
themselves. They are to be commended for their actions that are above 
and beyond the call of duty.
  Mr. Speaker, especially at this time of year we pray for peace on 
earth and goodwill for all mankind. However, so long as tyrants 
continue to oppress their own people and threaten the peace of the 
world, we must not rest.
  Our thoughts and prayers are also with the families of the men and 
women of our Armed Forces who are separated during this holiday season. 
We thank them for their sacrifices.
  Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from New 
Mexico (Mrs. Wilson).
  Mrs. WILSON. Mr. Speaker, our thoughts and prayers today are with 
other sailors, airmen, and soldiers in the Persian Gulf and their 
families. Our support of them is unconditional. We wish them success in 
their missions and pray that every one of them will return home safely 
to their families, friends and loved ones.
  We cannot allow Saddam Hussein to have nuclear, chemical, or 
biological weapons or the means to deliver them. He has shown himself 
willing to use them, including against his own people.
  I would also like to say a word about the family who await anxiously 
at home today wondering if their loved ones will survive, wishing that 
they were home out of harm's way preparing for the holidays. Operations 
like this are often hardest on the families, and as a nation we must 
rally around them. We have an obligation to keep them informed as much 
as we can and supported by their nation and by their neighbors.
  As a veteran myself and the only woman veteran to ever serve in the 
United States Congress, I also want to remind everyone that our 
obligation does not end when the guns fall silent.

[[Page H11738]]

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Rhode Island (Mr. Kennedy).
  (Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island asked and was given permission to revise 
and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, Members of the House, as a 
member of the Committee on National Security, I rise today in firm 
support of our soldiers and sailors in the Gulf. The American people 
have asked these men and women to put their lives on the line to defend 
freedom all over the world, and it is entirely fitting that today in 
this House we dedicate ourselves to support their cause.
  My colleagues, in the post Cold War theater of our country, we are 
faced with new threats of all kinds. Rogue nations that have the 
capability of creating biological, nuclear and chemical weapons 
comprise the next generation of challenges that our Armed Services 
face.
  Saddam Hussein has found out last night why he should never take our 
national commitment and dedication to the preservation of peace for 
granted. Time and time again we warned him that if he persisted on this 
course, that if he prevented the agreement of inspections, and that if 
he continued to snub the wishes of the international community, then 
the United States would let loose the awesome power of its military to 
force Iraq's compliance with U.N. resolutions.
  Our nation has sent a clear signal to the international community 
that Saddam's kind of terrorism will not be tolerated. The careless 
manufacture of these weapons of mass destruction is an affront to all 
civilized societies. While the people of Iraq search for food, Saddam 
Hussein searches for a new palace to build for himself once again.
  These weeks are going to take another important step to changing that 
situation. Saddam Hussein's days should be numbered and we must commit 
ourselves to the installation of a fair and democratic government in 
Iraq.
  In conclusion, the President has acted with leadership, he has taken 
the appropriate action; and it is clear by today's action that the 
Congress stands by our men and women in uniform and the President of 
the United States. I want to thank the leadership for setting aside our 
other business so that we can tend to this important issue of life and 
death.
  Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Lewis), the chairman elect of our appropriations 
Subcommittee on National Security.
  Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I want to express my 
appreciation to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spence) and to 
the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton) for their marvelous 
leadership insofar as our national security is concerned.
  Today, I simply want to rise and say to my colleagues that today we 
are seeing the Congress of the United States at its finest. We come 
together in support of the Commander in Chief and in support of our 
troops when their lives are put in danger. In defense of freedom, we 
are the leader of the world.
  In these days ahead of us, we are going to have more difficult times 
in which we will see some division in the House. But at this moment, 
Democrats and Republicans alike are standing hand in hand in support of 
this resolution, which is an expression of bipartisan and nonpartisan 
support of our troops facing danger overseas and defense of freedom.
  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire at this moment just how much 
time remains, please.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. LaHood). The gentleman from Missouri 
(Mr. Skelton) has 11 minutes remaining, and the gentleman from South 
Carolina (Mr. Spence) has 12\1/2\ minutes remaining.
  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from 
Florida (Ms. Brown).
  Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the 
President's decision to take action in Iraq and in strong support of 
the troops who have once again shown that we have the finest military 
in the world.
  I want to recognize the units from my area of Jacksonville, Florida, 
including two bomber units from Cecil Field Naval Air Station; Viking, 
Shadow, and Seahawk units from Naval Air Station Jacksonville; and the 
missile cruisers U.S.S. Philippine Sea and U.S.S. Gettysburg based at 
Naval Station Mayport. I salute their service and offer a prayer of 
support for their families here and at home.
  Mr. Speaker, it is very important that we put political rhetoric and 
fighting aside as we once again face down the enemy of peace, stability 
and democracy. We must be a strong and unified nation during this time, 
and I urge my colleagues to support our President and support our 
troops.
  Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon), the chairman of our Subcommittee on Research 
and Development.
  (Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to revise 
and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank our distinguished 
chairman for allowing me this opportunity to speak, and I thank our 
ranking member for his leadership on defense issues.
  I rise in full and strong support of this measure. But I want to 
remind our colleagues that while we are here to state our support for 
the troops in words, we need much more than words in the current 
environment in this city.
  We are going through massive problems right now, Mr. Speaker, as the 
gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton) and the gentleman from South 
Carolina (Mr. Spence) have said over and over again. This is in fact 
our 27th deployment of our troops in 6 years. Each of these deployments 
has not been planned for, has not been budgeted for; and, therefore, we 
have had to take money out of modernization and quality of life to pay 
to put the troops in harm's way. And when our colleagues vote in favor 
of this amendment today, this measure, I would ask our colleagues to 
understand, this is not just a cheerleading session where we stand up 
and go, rah-rah, yeah for the troops. We need the funding to support 
these troops. We need to put the dollars on the table. Because when we 
send these bombers into Iraq, when we send these troops overseas, there 
are added costs that we do not have the money for.
  And while I stand here fully unequivocally supporting the deployment 
that is taking place today, I ask my colleagues to understand that they 
need to provide the support for the funding shortfalls that will 
continue in the next year.
  I also rise to say that, Mr. Speaker, this action I support today but 
it should have taken place a year ago. In fact, I would like to insert 
into the Record an article from the Washington Times where it was cited 
that at least on 6 occasions, beginning in November of 1997, the 
Secretary of State or other top administration officials sought to stop 
the U.N. inspector from moving on surprise inspections in Iraq. We 
actually over the past year have stopped the inspection teams. And now 
we are saying we must proceed forward very quickly.
  Mr. Speaker, I include the following articles:

       The interventions included at least six occasions, 
     beginning in November 1997, in which Secretary of State 
     Madeleine K. Albright or other top administration officials 
     sought--with success in each case but one--to persuade chief 
     U.N. inspector Richard Butler to rescind orders for surprise 
     searches for weapons of mass destruction or to remove a 
     controversial inspector from Iraq.

               [From the Washington Times, Aug. 31, 1998]

 Ritter Gives Reason for Unscom's Plight--Says U.S. Has No Support vs. 
                                 Saddam

                        (By Joyce Howard Price)

       U.S. officials are afraid of a confrontation, with Saddam 
     Hussein because they don't have international support to 
     enforce access to suspected sites of weapons of mass 
     destruction, says former U.N. weapons inspector William Scott 
     Ritter.
       ``Since April . . . the United States has placed 
     considerable pressure'' on the U.N. inspection team ``to hold 
     off from carrying out inspections that could cause a 
     confrontation with Iraq,'' he said yesterday on ABC's ``This 
     Week.''
       ``They are afraid of confrontation because of the 
     ramifications,'' said the 37-year-old former Marine, who 
     resigned last week as a weapons inspector.
       ``Confrontation with Iraq over inspections requires the 
     United States and the Security Council to live up to their 
     promise of enforcement . . . in [U.N.] Resolution 1154,'' he

[[Page H11739]]

     said, which calls for the ``severest consequences'' if Iraq 
     does not allow access to suspected sites of nuclear, 
     biological or chemical weapons.
       ``Right now I believe that the United States does not want 
     such confrontation because it believes it cannot muster the 
     support for such confrontation,'' Mr. Ritter said.
       Saddam broke off cooperation Aug. 5 with weapons inspectors 
     of the U.N. Special Commission, or Unscom.
       U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Bill Richardson, 
     interviewed on TV talk shows yesterday, rejected Mr. Ritter's 
     charges that Washington has gone soft.
       ``There's been no change of policy. . . . The record shows 
     that the Clinton administration support for Unscom, the 
     weapons inspectors, has been unparalleled,'' Mr. Richardson 
     said on NBC's ``Meet the Press.''
       ``There have been times where timing and tactics had to be 
     discussed with [chief U.N. weapons inspector Richard] Butler. 
     But the record shows . . . that because of U.S. action, 
     inspectors like Scott Ritter were able to conduct their 
     inspections,'' he said.
       On CNN's ``Late Edition,'' Mr. Richardson said ``timing and 
     tactics'' were discussed as part of efforts to build 
     international support in the Security Council for the U.S. 
     position toward Iraq.
       ``At no time did we go to Butler and say, `Don't inspect, 
     don't do this,' '' said Mr. Richardson. ``This is a U.N. 
     decision. This is Butler's decision. He is very 
     independent.''
       Mr. Ritter said U.S. threats of military force earlier this 
     year, when Iraq denied entrance to some sites and sent 
     weapons inspectors packing, were not convincing--certainly 
     not to Saddam.
       ``There are indications that this saber-rattling was 
     nothing but a bluff to begin with, an effort to force Saddam 
     to back down in the face of force,'' Mr. Ritter said on ABC.
       ``One of the problems is it has to be credible force in 
     order for Saddam to flinch, and I think the Iraqis just 
     called the bluff. I don't think there was ever the credible 
     use of force or threat of use of force.''
       Mr. Ritter said last week that at least six intrusive 
     inspections had been stopped since November under pressure 
     from Washington. Yesterday, he detailed two instances.
       ``There was a case in July when we actually deployed a team 
     of 45 inspectors in the country to carry out inspections . . 
     . to uncover how Iraq hides these weapons from the Special 
     Commission, and the United States together with the United 
     Kingdom intervened and conferred with Richard Butler to put 
     pressure on him to cancel this inspection, despite the fact 
     that we had a team in country, ready to go,'' Mr. Ritter 
     said.
       ``In August, we had another team deployed, ready to go. We 
     had very, very good sites, based upon sound intelligence, and 
     once again . . . the United States, through intervention from 
     both [Secretary of State] Madeleine Albright and [National 
     Security Adviser] Sandy Berger, had the inspection first 
     postponed for a matter of days and then canceled outright.''

  Mr. Speaker, we must have a clear and consistent policy with Iraq and 
that policy means when Saddam does not comply we move in military, and 
I support this. But this action should have taken place months ago and 
this action requires our financial support as well as our verbal 
support.
  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from 
Florida (Mrs. Meek).
  Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this 
resolution. I rise in strong support of our President. I rise in strong 
support of our troops.
  I have always been a supporter of our military troops. I came through 
World War II. I know exactly what it means to protect our country. I 
know exactly what it means to be ready. And sometimes I am taken aback 
on this floor when I hear many of our well-meaning people on this floor 
question things which they have very little background to know about.
  We have many experts in this Congress. We need more people who are 
willing to say, let's see what the score is, let's look at this thing 
and find out what it is all about.
  Our President is the Commander in Chief. It is his job to make these 
decisions. I am not here to question his decision. I am here to say I 
stand behind him and I stand behind those troops. Timing, we are no 
experts on timing. We have heard the Joint Chiefs of Staff. We have 
heard Secretary Cohen. They are experts. We are merely generalists, Mr. 
Speaker.
  I stand to support this wonderful resolution brought by the majority 
party.
  Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Rohrabacher).
  Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the 
resolution and strong support of our troops who are in action in the 
Persian Gulf.
  Today, even amidst a political crisis at home, our military personnel 
are engaged in a major operation against the regime of Iraqi dictator 
Saddam Hussein. Over the last year, Saddam Hussein has violated the 
agreements that he made to end the Gulf War. And I would agree with my 
colleague who just stated, the actions taking place today should have 
started long ago, because Saddam Hussein was committing these same 
violations 6 months ago and 6 weeks ago that he is violating today and 
was violating today which precipitated the President's decision to call 
in military actions.
  Saddam Hussein agreed to give up the right to possess weapons of mass 
destruction in order to end the Gulf War 8 years ago. By violating his 
pledges that ensured that he gave up those weapons of mass destruction, 
he is the one who has called this military action upon his people.
  Let us resolve today that we are not the enemies of the people of 
Iraq. The people of Iraq are our friends. The Members of Congress have 
stated we should, in fact we passed a resolution here and allocated 
money to support those people who believe in democracy in Iraq and who 
would wish to overthrow Saddam Hussein's vicious regime.
  So today, as we tip our hats and as we sing the praises of our 
military personnel who are willing to put their lives on the line for 
stability and peace in the Gulf which ultimately tied to the security 
of the United States of America, let us also resolve that we are for 
peace and freedom and we are for the peace and freedom of the people of 
Iraq as well and they can join with us and bring about a more peaceful 
world and end these military operations by getting rid of the Saddam 
Hussein dictatorship. It is that dictatorship that is the enemy of the 
people of the United States, not the people of Iraq.
  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from 
California (Mrs. Capps).
  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this joint 
resolution before us in the House of Representatives that we may speak 
as a unified body and give our support to our President, to our Joint 
Chiefs of Staff, to our allies who have joined with us in this effort 
to curve totalitarianism and to make a strong statement on behalf of 
peace.
  It is important for us to get behind our troops now and to be unified 
as a country that our fighting men and women, and I am thinking 
particularly today of those at Vandenburg Air Force Base in my district 
and the colonel with whom I spoke this morning, urging those troops 
well, knowing that they are giving up their time with their families 
over this holiday season. We must be with them in spirit and offer our 
prayers. Speaking also for the people of Iraq, wanting to work with 
them to find peace in their land and let us all be unified as we do 
this together.

                              {time}  1215

  Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from 
Texas (Ms. Granger).
  Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the men 
and women of our armed forces. I thank them for their sacrifice and 
their patriotism and I pray for their safe return home.
  Saddam Hussein is not in compliance with the terms and conditions of 
the agreement that ended the Persian Gulf War. He has consistently 
violated international law and he is insistent on development and 
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. There is no question he 
needs to be stopped.
  However, I want to remind my colleagues that real support of our 
troops takes more than a resolution from Congress when they are sent 
into combat. It takes a real and serious financial commitment from this 
body. We need to increase the size of our annual defense budget. We 
need to address the military retirement system. We need to make sure 
our troops have the best equipment available when they are sent into 
harm's way.
  During the Persian Gulf War there were 18 active Army divisions. 
Today there are 10. During the Persian Gulf War there were 24 active 
fighter wings. Today 13. There were 546 Navy ships. Today 333. I do not 
want to belabor this point today, Mr. Speaker, but we need to address 
those shortfalls next year.
  Again let us pray for our troops and offer them our heartfelt thanks 
for their service to our country.

[[Page H11740]]

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from 
Missouri (Mr. Gephardt) the minority leader.
  (Mr. GEPHARDT asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. GEPHARDT. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the resolution that is before 
us and think it is the right thing for us to do on this important day. 
I fully support the mission of our armed forces currently carrying out 
this military action in Iraq. These efforts are part of a long-standing 
bipartisan effort to degrade the Iraqi government's capacity to develop 
and deliver weapons of mass destruction and to diminish its ability to 
threaten its neighbors in the region.
  Over the last 8 years Presidents Bush and Clinton have pursued a 
policy to contain the threat that Saddam Hussein poses to the region, 
the Mideast region and the international community. Today our troops 
bravely are continuing this effort. I believe that this Congress must 
give them and is required to give them our undivided support and 
encouragement.
  The U.S. action is the latest chapter in our efforts. It came at the 
end of a long pattern of Iraqi games to thwart the work of weapons 
inspectors and frustrate implementation of United Nations Security 
Council resolutions.
  The most recent act of defiance was in October. The United States was 
ready at that time to use military force with the support of the 
international community, including eight Arab nations, and the 
unanimous support of the United Nations Security Council to enforce 
implementation of these U.N. resolutions. Saddam Hussein in October 
backed down under these threats, and he pledged and his regime pledged 
to resume cooperation unconditionally with the weapons inspectors. At 
that time our President made clear that if Saddam Hussein failed to 
cooperate fully, without equivocation, the United States would be 
prepared to act, and to act without delay, to act without going back to 
the Security Council, to act without coming anywhere to get authority 
to do it.
  The President then said, and I quote, ``Until we see complete 
compliance, we will remain vigilant, we will keep up the pressure, we 
will be ready to act.'' As Members all know over the past 3 weeks, 
Saddam Hussein has engaged in new acts of defiance of the United 
Nations Security Council resolutions and the weapons inspectors known 
as UNSCOM. These acts are a clear violation of the international 
community's determination to ensure that Iraq no longer poses a threat 
to the region.
  The timetable for action was perfectly clear. We have known that 
Richard Butler would submit the report for several weeks. This is no 
surprise to anyone in Iraq, in the region, across the world who is 
involved in these foreign policy issues. Congressional leaders were 
briefed by the President's national security team on the evolving 
situation and the military options which were being considered in 
response. Any suggestion that this action has been affected by the 
impeachment debate one way or the other is blatantly false.
  I sincerely hope that we can temporarily put aside partisanship and 
direct our efforts to fully supporting our troops, our young people, in 
this critical mission. We should never let Saddam Hussein dictate the 
nature or the timing of our response. We must have the ability to carry 
out our mission effectively to ensure that Iraq cannot reconstitute its 
arsenal of weapons of mass destruction, and most importantly we must 
give our commanders in the field the flexibility they need to succeed 
in their mission with the least risk to the men and women who are 
putting their lives on the line right now to achieve these goals.
  This Congress must stand firmly and in a united way behind the 
defense of our national interest. We must send a strong message, the 
strongest possible message to Saddam Hussein that domestic politics 
will never, ever affect our resolve, and we must send a clear and 
unequivocal message to the brave young men and women of the United 
States armed forces that they have our unqualified support as they 
undertake this serious and dangerous mission.
  We must join together today as Republicans, as Democrats, as 
independents, but as Americans. We must speak with one voice, one 
crystal clear voice behind our men and women, behind our President and 
behind our Nation at this time of critical emergency.
  If my son or daughter were in the field today, right now, I would 
want nothing more than every American to stand behind and be proud of 
their effort on our behalf. By voting for this resolution, we do that 
today.
  Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from 
Savannah, GA (Mr. Kingston).
  Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Spence for yielding me 
this time and also Ranking Member Skelton for bringing this to the 
floor along with Speaker Livingston. I think it is very timely and 
important that at this day we stop and pause in a bipartisan, united 
fashion and support our troops. For all Americans, we are united 
against Saddam Hussein but for those folks that I represent in 
Hinesville, Georgia, many of their friends and neighbors will be 
packing and saying good-bye to loved ones as members of the Third 
Infantry Division start to deploy. We do not know how long they will be 
there. We do not know how many. But we think it is very important that 
they know, those of us in southeast Georgia who love Fort Stewart and 
General Riley and all the fighting men and women that we support them 
and we want to get them home safely.
  Here in Congress we are going to do everything we can to protect them 
and America's interests. That is why we have fought so hard under 
Chairman Spence's leadership for quality of life, equipment 
modernization and readiness.
  Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Shimkus).
  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, as a West Point graduate, a former active 
duty officer and a current reservist, the time is right to tell our 
young men and women in the armed forces that we support them. That is 
our mission today, a united front. However, our mission tomorrow is to 
ensure that our forces have the means at their disposal to conduct 
necessary operations in the future. Talk is cheap. Rebuilding our 
military strength is the clearest sign to our young men and women in 
uniform and their families that we support them, we care for them, and 
that we are going to do everything with the means at our disposal to 
protect them. Let us commit today as we talk on this resolution to do 
the necessary work at hand to strengthen our military for the future.
  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Bishop).
  Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Missouri for 
yielding me this time, and I thank the chairman and the ranking member 
for bringing this resolution to the floor.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for this 
resolution. I believe it is important that we demonstrate America's 
resounding and unequivocal commitment to our Nation's armed forces. We 
must voice our support, not as Democrats, not as Republicans but as 
Americans. We know our troops will give us 100 percent and we can 
afford to give them no less. The President in consultation with 
America's top military leaders has given sound, rational support for 
his decision to launch new attacks on Iraq at this time. Members of the 
Moody Air Force Base in the Second Congressional District of Georgia 
will soon be called upon to support this endeavor. More than 200 Air 
Force personnel will be part of a combat search and rescue package that 
will be deployed within the next few days. This is a very difficult 
time to ask our service men and women to be separated from their 
families. That is another reason why it is so important that we have 
the morale of our troops uplifted by the solidarity to that mission.
  I would extend my prayers for all of the deployed men and women and 
their families for a safe and speedy return. God bless our troops. God 
bless their families. God bless America.
  Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Linder).
  (Mr. LINDER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. LINDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to submit for the Record a statement 
on

[[Page H11741]]

behalf of our troops in this very difficult time in their lives as well 
as the life of our Nation.
  Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Weller).
  (Mr. WELLER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the chairman and the ranking 
member for the time and the opportunity to speak in support of our 
military men and women. I rise in support of this resolution. I ask for 
bipartisan support in this House, a statement of support for our 
military men and women. Not only must we support our military men and 
women who defend our freedoms but we must also stand in support of the 
regular folks, the people of Iraq, suffering under the yoke of the 
dictator Saddam Hussein.
  Iraq is now governed by a terrorist government driven under the iron 
hand of dictator Saddam Hussein. Saddam Hussein continues today to 
threaten the security of his neighbors with efforts to develop weapons 
of mass destruction. Our military men and women stand ready to defend 
our freedoms. Today they are in action. Let us speak loudly, let us 
speak clearly, let us speak with a united voice, with a bipartisan 
statement of support today.

                              {time}  1230

  We support our military men and women with this firm statement of 
support contained in our resolution. Let us keep our defenders of 
freedoms and their families in our prayers today and tomorrow, and also 
let us take time to thank those every day who defend our freedoms.
  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Borski).
  (Mr. BORSKI asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. BORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 612, which 
expresses strong support for the men and women of our Armed Forces who 
are participating in Operation Desert Fox. I believe this is an 
appropriate expression of bipartisan support for a difficult but 
necessary military strike against Saddam Hussein.
  At the conclusion of the Persian Gulf War, Saddam Hussein agreed to a 
cease-fire resolution which explicitly committed him to the destruction 
and termination of his nuclear, chemical and biological weapons 
programs. To verify his compliance, Saddam agreed to full and 
unfettered access to United Nations weapons inspectors.
  Since then, Saddam has played a cat-and-mouse game with the United 
Nations and the international community. The United States has 
repeatedly threatened the use of force against Iraq if it failed to 
cooperate, and Iraq has backed down. President Clinton has gone out of 
his way to resolve these disputes with diplomacy, but Saddam Hussein 
has failed to reciprocate with a long-term compliance to his 
international obligations.
  Only a few weeks ago, Saddam Hussein once again defied the 
international community and blocked UNSCOM's access to important sites 
and documents pertaining to weapons of mass destruction. President 
Clinton ordered a military strike, but, at the last minute, terminated 
the operation when Saddam Hussein agreed to allow the inspectors back 
in to Iraq. The President gave Saddam one last chance, but very clearly 
warned Saddam that future violations would be met with immediate and 
decisive military action.
  Unfortunately, Saddam Hussein failed to heed these warnings. On 
December 15, UNSCOM Executive Chairman Richard Butler issued a report 
to the UN stating that Saddam Hussein was once again preventing UN 
inspectors from doing their job. In response, Chairman Butler removed 
his inspectors and President Clinton launched Operation Desert Fox.
  Saddam Hussein thought he could exploit what he perceived as a 
weakness in our country caused by the domestic turmoil over 
impeachment. But what Saddam once again miscalculated--and what we are 
demonstrating here today with this resolution--is the strength of our 
country in times of international crises. Despite domestic problems, 
the people of the United States of America will always rally behind our 
President and our troops when our national interests are threatened.
  Mr. Speaker, I support Operation Desert Fox, and I support our troops 
who are doing a magnificent job protecting our national interests in 
the Persian Gulf. These proud men and women would certainly rather be 
home for the holidays, but they know their mission and how important it 
is that Saddam Hussein not be allowed to develop weapons of mass 
destruction and once again threaten his neighbors in the region.
  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, this morning I had the rare opportunity to have 
breakfast with three bright young United States Navy lieutenant 
commanders, one a submariner, one a surface warfare officer and the 
other a pilot of F-14s. It was interesting in talking to them about 
their future, the future of the United States Navy, that they reflected 
to me what I know all the young officers must say and feel about their 
work and about their contribution to national security. In relation to 
the pilot, I heard about the dire need for spare parts, about the need 
for more highly trained mechanics and the need of the help we should 
give to the families.
  Mr. Speaker, these are the young men and young women who are flying 
missions last night and tonight over Iraq. They are the ones of whom we 
are asking so very much, and yet we, who are constitutionally required 
to raise and maintain the military, have left some of them with spare 
parts problems and inadequate personnel, and yet we expect them to be 
letter perfect. Thus far they have.
  I say a thanks to my friend and colleague, the gentleman from South 
Carolina (Mr. Spence), the chairman of this committee, for he and I 
worked early this year in a letter to the President and other leaders 
making a strong case for additional funding for national security of 
this country. It was good to see the additional dollars in the 
supplemental this last year. But in order for us to come to this floor 
and praise the young men and young women for their courage and bravery, 
we must do our part first, and that part is making secure those jobs, 
making sure that they have spare parts, making sure that their 
airplanes fly and that they have bright young people who are strongly 
motivated to fix their airplanes and to sail the ships. That is our 
job.
  We are here today, and it has been almost overlooked, because of 
Saddam Hussein's recalcitrance in not allowing inspectors from the 
United Nations to look for and find the weapons of mass destruction. 
That is our purpose, to make sure that he does not have those weapons; 
biological, chemical, nuclear, that could wreck havoc not just on 
America and Americans' interests and Americans across this globe, but 
our allies and our friends.
  I fully support the President's decision. I fully support him, and 
yesterday I had an early meeting with the Secretary and the Chairman of 
the Joint Chiefs when they told me of this plan, and I told them I was 
for them.
  We must, as a body, speak with one voice to support this decision and 
to support the young men and young women. But I must say more than 
anything we must support the young men and young women in uniform 
regardless of the branch in which they serve by doing our part, by 
adequately funding what they do, by giving them the message that we are 
with them, more in words, more in resolution, but by adequate funding 
and resources so they can continue to do the job that we ask them to do 
and that the Commander in Chief asks them to do.
  So I fully support this resolution. I hope it will pass unanimously, 
that the message will be sent to our friends and foes alike that we 
stand together as a Nation supporting the President's decision and 
supporting those in uniform who are doing such a masterful job for us 
and for our country.
  Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume.
  Mr. Speaker, we are gathered here today to make comments in support 
of our troops who are presently deployed in the Persian Gulf carrying 
on operations against certain targets in Iraq. I think it is worth 
noting at this time, it is important to note, that we are prepared to 
carry out this type operation and our men and women are equipped to do 
this. But I have to point out that this is a limited type operation. It 
is not an all-out type war that we must be prepared to defend against. 
There is serious question as to whether or not our military is 
sufficiently strong, with all the cutbacks we have been making, to 
carry out our national strategy of being able to fight and win

[[Page H11742]]

two major regional contingencies. That is my concern.
  I reiterate we are here supporting our people today in this type of 
operation. We must, we must, do more to prepare our country to defend 
against the other threats we will be faced with in the future.
  Ms. KILPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, one of the most grave decisions that a 
Member of Congress must make is the decision to go to war. Fewer than 
24 hours ago, President William Jefferson Clinton launched missiles in 
response to continued intransigence by President Saddam Hussein of 
Iraq. Over the past two months, President Clinton has judiciously and 
skillfully negotiated a truce with President Hussein, and even aborted 
a launched air strike against military targets in Iraq. As President 
Clinton clearly stated, that November 15, 1998 cease-fire was the last 
effort in the continued work to have Iraq comply with the terms that 
ended the Gulf War over seven and one-half years ago.
  As a person of peace and prayer, I have grave reservations any time 
force or violence is used to solve any problem, conflict or difference. 
It is unfortunate that we have not yet progressed to the point where 
violence is not an element of international problem-solving. Each and 
every life on earth is too precious to be wasted as a result of the 
collateral damage that inevitably happens as the result of war. The use 
of force should be used only as a last resort when all other options 
have been thoroughly examined and exhausted.
  Along with 434 of my colleagues in the House of Representatives and 
100 of my colleagues in the Senate, I took an oath to protect and 
defend the Constitution of the United States of America against all 
enemies, foreign and domestic. This recent action is in the defense of 
the best interests of the United States. President William Jefferson 
Clinton, acting upon the advice of the Joints Chiefs of Staff, the 
Secretary of Defense, and the Director of the Central Intelligence 
Agency, ordered the most recent air strike. There have been some 
Members of Congress who have questioned the timing and necessity of 
this air strike. Now is not the time for Members of Congress to 
question this joint and unanimous decision of the military leaders of 
our Nation, all of whom support this needed action. Now is the time to 
offer our prayers, our aid, and our support to men and women of our 
Armed Forces, their families and our President.
  I have long expressed my support for the ending of humanitarian 
sanctions on Iraq, and along with over 40 of my colleagues, sent a 
bipartisan letter to the President asking for a revisiting of the 
economic sanctions against Iraq. While leveled at the Iraqi regime, 
these sanctions have had the unintended effect of taking a deadly toll 
on the innocent civilians of Iraq. History is proof that it is in the 
United States' best long-term interests to shape a policy that embraces 
humanitarian concerns and allows new ways to address the legitimate 
security concerns of the United States. Maintaining humanitarian 
principles and having a tough stance on Iraq are not mutually 
exclusive.

  On June 26 of this year, we celebrated the 50th year of the Berlin 
Airlift. After the Soviet Union banned all travel to and from East 
Germany shortly after the end of World War II, aircraft from U.S. Air 
Forces in Europe delivered 156 tons of supplies during 64 sorties. 
During the Berlin Airlift, almost 18 million tons of coal, food, 
medicine, heavy machinery, newsprint, construction equipment, vehicles, 
and household goods were flown in to the people, not the government, of 
East Germany. The Berlin Airlift saved the lives of thousands of people 
yearning for freedom and justice from the shackles of oppression. The 
strong, aggressive stance that the United States took against the 
regime of the Soviet Union complemented its compassion for the people 
of East Germany.
  Fifty years later, we live in the wake of the Berlin Airlift. Through 
the skill and courage of United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, 
former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Bill Richardson, President 
Clinton, and concerned citizens, were able to previously step back from 
the brink of war. This is, unfortunately, no longer the case. There are 
certainly many challenges against lasting peace and stability in Iraq, 
and it is vital that Iraq fully and completely comply with the 
inspection teams authorized by the United Nations Special Commission on 
Iraq. The monitoring and dismantling of Iraqi weapons of mass 
destruction must take place.
  In our letter to President Clinton, we urged the separation of 
humanitarian sanction from military sanctions. We also asked for 
improving the oversight and mechanisms for the oil-for-food trade, and 
the expeditious reform of the federal regulations impeding the flow of 
humanitarian goods to the people of Iraq. Like East Berlin before the 
airlift, we have heard several official and unofficial reports of the 
horrible starvation of children, medical deprivation of senior 
citizens, and general devastation faced by ordinary, everyday citizens 
in Iraq.
  It is unfortunate that the President of the United States was forced 
to use missiles in order to get Iraq to comply with reasonable U.N. 
requirements. Along with Secretary General Kofi Annan, I am deeply 
saddened and personally hurt that Saddam Hussein did not give peace a 
chance. Any coordinated policy regarding Iraq should not further punish 
the women, children, and senior citizens already wincing beneath the 
thumb of a dictator. In the long run, Saddam Hussein, like any other 
dictator, will fade away. It is important and vital that the United 
States forge a humanitarian pact with the people of Iraq and revisit 
the effect of our economic sanctions and this recent missile strike on 
Iraq. Fifty years ago, the people of East Germany hailed the collective 
wisdom and humanitarian courage of America. Fifty years from now, the 
Iraqi people, and all citizens of the Middle East, will praise the 
continued fight for freedom, justice and liberty of the American 
people.
  I support our troops. I support the families of our troops. Along 
with my constituents, I pray that during this month of the most holy of 
holidays for so many citizens, the collective peace and love that we 
all so desperately need envelop our troops, their families, and the 
people of Iraq.
  Rest assured that children, women, and senior citizens will die. Rest 
assured that some of our troops, who are someone's father or mother, 
brother or sister, niece or nephew, will never return home. Military 
action of this, or any, scope requires deep prayer, temperance, and 
patriotism of our country's leaders. Along with the citizens of the 
15th Congressional District of Michigan, I hope that my colleagues in 
Congress will join me in prayer for our country, our troops, the 
Persian Gulf region, and the Iraqi people, who deserve a better leader 
than Saddam Hussein.
  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I support our troops in their mission to 
eliminate Saddam Hussein's ability to use weapons of mass destruction.
  Althought I prefer a tight, multinational embargo around Iraq to 
disable Saddam's regime, that path was not taken. At this juncture, 
with repeated warnings to Iraq by the United States to comply with 
Iraq's pledge to disarm and with repeated violations by Saddam, we have 
little choice but to proceed with military action.
  For these reasons, I will vote for the resolution before the House of 
Representatives today to support our troops and to reaffirm that the 
policy of the United States to drive Saddam Hussein from power in Iraq.
  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, December 16, 1998, the United 
States and Great Britain responded to the litany of abuses long 
propagated by Saddam Hussein, the President of Iraq. Saddam Hussein has 
repeatedly and consistently violated the terms of the cease-fire 
agreement that ended the Persian Gulf war in 1991. The terms of that 
treaty, endorsed by the international community including a significant 
number of Middle Eastern and Persian Gulf states, called for, among 
other things, Iraq to dismantle its program for weapons of mass 
destruction (WMD). Saddam Hussein agreed to these terms and agreed to 
international inspection, destruction and verification of Iraq's 
chemical, biological and nuclear weapons.
  The creation of the United Nations weapons inspection team, know as 
UNSCOM was heralded as proof that the international community was 
living up to its part of the bargain with Saddam Hussein. But Mr. 
Speaker in the seven years since UNSCOM's creation, Saddam Hussein has 
been duplicitious and callous by continuing to thwart international 
efforts to rid Iraq of its capability to produce these WMD. All the 
while, this Iraqi regime has explored every effort to exploit, cajole 
and employ chicanery to disrupt UNSCOM's important work. And after 
reviewing the record, one can only draw the conclusion that Saddam 
Hussein was never serious about giving up his WMD program. He has 
violated countless U.N. resolutions and obstructed weapons inspections 
ad infinitum.
  Even after Iraq's defeat by coalition forces in 1991, Hussein was 
biding his time to regain regional hegemony and hold hostage the world 
community. Saddam Hussein has shown through out his time in power that 
he is the archetypical rogue leader akin to a gangster of the 1920s. He 
has gassed his own people, launched ballistic missiles at Israel and 
Saudi Arabia, invaded a sovereign nation, murdered scores of his 
political enemies, terrorized minority Shiites and kurdish civilians 
and embarked on a seven year campaign that is resulting in the mass 
starvation of thousands of Iraqi citizens. In short, he has turned the 
Iraqi nation, one with a proud people and ancient history, into an 
international pariah state.
  Mr. Speaker, I stand in strong support of House Resolution 612, our 
men and women in uniform and our President. While this necessary action 
is being conducted as we speak, this is not a time to rejoice, or 
strike up the bands, or begin to celebrate. This difficult decision was 
one of last resort, precipitated by

[[Page H11743]]

the violation of commitments made by Saddam Hussein. If anyone doubts 
that this course of action is necessary, they have not been paying 
attention to the last seven years of broken promises.
  Moreover, the timing of the attack is being called into question by 
some pundits and newspapers. But this too is accountable only to Saddam 
Hussein. It is equally tragic and regrettable that some of our nation's 
leader (thankfully only a handful) have questioned the timing of this 
attack as well. This military action is serious business. The 
impeachment proceedings are serious business. But both matters before 
us are governed by the nature of the constitutional process and the 
unfurling of international events. The only one capable of corrupting 
these two matters into one, is Saddam Hussein. And his sense of timing 
should not constrain our freedom of action nor inhibit us from pursuing 
our moral obligations. For this reason alone, we must remain vigilant 
to our purpose and unwavering in our task. I am confident that in this 
distressing moment in our history, the true spirit of our nation will 
rise to carry out its appointed duty. In this regard, we are unified in 
our support for our brave servicemen and women. We are proud of the 
work that they do each and everyday in their selfless sacrifice of 
protecting our country and fighting for our ideals. May God bless each 
and everyone of them and their families. And may God bless the 
President, his advisors, and the United States of America.
  Ms. CHRISTIAN-GREEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues 
in voicing my strong support for our men and women in our Armed Forces 
who have answered their Nation's call to serve in the effort to rid the 
world of the threat of Saddam Hussein to develop and use weapons of 
mass destruction.
  Mr. Speaker, our troops deserve our full support and our Commander in 
Chief does as well. This was a courageous and necessary action by 
President Clinton and he deserves our unconditional support.
  My colleagues, I recall when our country first engaged Saddam Hussein 
and Iraqi at the start of the gulf war in 1991, my constituents and I 
were saddened but proud when we learned that a Virgin Islander was 
among the first casualties. All Americans, no matter where they make 
their homes, proudly answer the call of their nation to serve when it 
is necessary for them to do so.
  And so I support this resolution today. I support our troops and pray 
for their safe and speedy return home in this season of peace. And I 
support our Commander in Chief.
  Mr. QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Resolution 
612, a resolution of support for our men and women of the armed forces 
during the present engagement with Iraq.
  Following the gulf war, Iraq agreed with the Gulf War Alliance and 
the United Nations requirements that it must cease production of 
weapons of mass destruction. Iraq has continuously reneged on this 
agreement and thwarted the efforts of United Nations' arms inspectors.
  The presence of chemical and biological weapons poses a serious 
threat to our national security. In fact, these weapons pose a threat 
to every nation on earth. Saddam Hussein has proven to be a rogue and 
reckless tyrant who cannot be trusted. He has shown that he will use 
these weapons, both on his enemies and his own people.
  After learning that our troops engaged Iraq, my thoughts and prayers 
went out to them and their families. The men and women of our Armed 
Forces have selflessly defended America's national security interest in 
the Persian Gulf. We can all be proud of their commitment and loyalty 
to this country.
  During this grave time, our troops should know that Congress and the 
Nation are unified in support of them.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, the flu precludes me from taking part in 
this important debate on the Floor today. Nevertheless, I support this 
resolution, which expresses our strong support for the men and women of 
our military forces in their current action against the brutal regime 
of Saddam Hussein. This resolution also reaffirms the policy of the 
United States to support efforts to remove Saddam Hussein from power in 
Iraq.
  Over the past year, Saddam Hussein has been playing this cynical game 
of failing to fulfill the very inspection agreements which he, himself, 
signed as part of the peace agreement following his ill-fated invasion 
of Kuwait. Several weeks ago when Saddam Hussein notified the United 
Nations weapons inspectors that he was no longer going to cooperate 
with them and was halting the inspections, the world knew that Saddam 
was not serious about cooperation and that he was attempting to protect 
a dangerous arsenal of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons which 
he intended to use on his neighbors and enemies in the future.
  At that time, 6 weeks ago, the U.S. military leadership drafted a 
plan to resume military air strikes against Saddam's weapons of mass 
destruction. The President ordered those plans to be executed and the 
air strikes were given the green light. We all know that at the last 
minute Saddam backed down and agreed to allow the U.N. inspectors to 
resume their work and the military strikes were called off.
  Many of us in the Congress, and in the country, were disappointed 
that the President backed down because we all knew that Saddam would 
not keep his word and that we would once again face down the road the 
need to strike at his weapons arsenal. Many argued that the failure to 
respond to Saddam at that time would create a greater threat to the 
region and to the world and would further embolden Saddam to flaunt his 
word and create these crises over and over again, betting that no 
action would ever be taken.
  Saddam's refusal last week to again honor his commitments, thus 
forcing the withdrawal of the U.N. inspection team from Iraq, had to be 
the last straw. The decision to bomb by the Commander in Chief, with 
the full support of our Joint Chiefs of Staff, was the correct decision 
because Saddam through his lack of compliance presented a clear and 
present danger to the stability of the region and the security of the 
international community. Last night's air raids despite their curious 
timing, represented the kind of decisive action which has been 
inevitable and unavoidable as long as Saddam felt he could get away 
with his acts of noncompliance.
  Mr. Speaker, Saddam Hussein has proven time and time again that he is 
intractable. If Saddam had felt he could continue to get away with his 
actions without incurring any penalty, he seriously miscalculated the 
will of the people of the United States and that of the international 
community. As a Member of the International Relations Committee, and as 
one who has been a leader in support of decisive military action 
against Saddam Hussein as far back as 1991, I support the decision to 
take these actions against the regime of what can only be called a 
tyranny and a menace to society. I support the courageous men and women 
our military forces in these critical times and I wish them and their 
families Godspeed on this important mission.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I join strongly with our colleagues in 
urging passage of this resolution of support for our men and women in 
the U.S. Armed Forces now confronting Saddam Hussein in the Persian 
Gulf.
  Mr. Speaker, the Iraqi Government has repeatedly shown contempt for 
the diplomatic resolution of the crisis created by their nuclear, 
chemical and biological weapons programs. Over the last year, Saddam 
Hussein has pushed the United States and the International community 
three times to the brink of war, only to dance away under cover of 
diplomatic ruses.
  With the UNSCOM report issued days ago and Ramadan to begin this 
weekend, it is clear that the time for diplomacy is over. The Iraqi 
Government has lied again and U.N. weapons inspectors have been stopped 
from doing their job.
  U.S. and British military forces in the Persian Gulf are now ensuring 
what diplomacy could not--that Iraq will not threaten the region nor 
the world with weapons of mass destruction.
  I commend President Clinton for making this courageous decision at 
this very difficult time--knowing opponents at home and overseas would 
charge him with undercutting the impeachment proceedings.
  I don't buy into these charges, as we all know, as does the 
President, that the impeachment shall continue and the outcome will not 
change. If anything, his action at this time will only harden the 
impeachment vote against him.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge our colleagues to support the Commander-in-Chief 
and our Armed Forces in the Gulf that have placed their lives at risk 
to ensure that nuclear, chemical and biological weapons from Iraq or 
other rogue nations do not threaten our shores and that of our allies.
  Mr. ROEMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution 
expressing support for U.S. and British air strikes in the Persian Gulf 
region. We offer our thoughts and prayers to our brave men and women in 
uniform who are fighting for our national security during our holiday 
season. I support our troops to be successful and safe, and I support 
the decision made by the President and our military commanders.
  President Clinton provided a targeted and calibrated military 
response to Iraq's reckless disregard for United Nations arms 
inspections and our policy to remove weapons of mass destruction from 
tyrants like Saddam Hussein. The timing of the air strikes was dictated 
strictly by national security needs. This was confirmed by defense 
Secretary William Cohen, CIA Director George Tenet, and the Chairman of 
the Joint Chiefs, General Hugh Shelton in a meeting last night. It was 
the unanimous view of our military and national security advisors that 
the air strikes were justified and that the timing this week was 
critical to the success of the mission in the weeks ahead.

[[Page H11744]]

  Saddam has repeatedly attempted to erode or violate international 
standards concerning biological and chemical weapons. He has and is 
intent on building the most vile weapons in the history of man, weapons 
outlawed by nearly every country in the world. Saddam Hussein must not 
go unchallenged. Therefore, I accept the judgment of the President's 
military and national security advisors, and I will provide all the 
support I can for our troops while they are engaged in this military 
endeavor.
  The military action initiated yesterday by the United States sends a 
direct and appropriate message: Iraq must fully comply with the terms 
of the weapons inspections. We must continue to protect our troops and 
vital interests in the Middle East and reduce the ability of Saddam 
Hussein to threaten innocent civilians and his neighbors in the region. 
I support the intent of yesterday's air strikes and look forward to the 
safe return of our troops after a successful mission.
  Mr. MARKEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the resolution, 
and of President Clinton's decision to order airstrikes against Iraq.
  In 1981, Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin ordered the Israeli 
Air Force to destroy Saddam Hussein's Osirak nuclear reactor, because 
of growing evidence that this French-supplied ``research reactor'' was 
being transformed into a covert nuclear bomb factory. World reaction to 
the attack was swift and harsh. The French, the Russians, and even the 
UN Security Council condemned the bombing. The Reagan Administration 
criticized the raid and temporarily suspended arms shipments to Israel.
  But in reality, Israel had done the world an enormous favor. It has 
set back Saddam Hussein's efforts to obtain weapons of mass destruction 
by several years.
  During the Gulf War, the U.S. and its Allies again targeted Iraq's 
efforts to acquire nuclear, chemical, biological, and ballistic missile 
capabilities. In the aftermath of that struggle, international 
inspectors found clear and convincing evidence of a massive Iraqi 
program to acquire weapons of mass destruction.
  Since that time, one of the fundamental goals of U.S. foreign policy 
has been to assure that Iraq's weapons of mass destruction capabilities 
are dismantled, and to prevent Saddam Hussein from rebuilding the 
capacity to hold the world hostage.
  That is what yesterday's air strikes against Iraq were all about. 
This isn't Wag the Dog; its Enemy of the State. It's Target the Tyrant.
  Does anyone really want the President to give that madman even more 
time to hide his weapons, fortify his military, and spawn terrorism?
  This is a cruel and savage dictator who has already used chemical 
weapons against both the Iranians and his own people. He fired Scud 
missiles at innocent Israeli civilians, and he is hellbent on amassing 
an arsenal of nuclear, chemical, biological, and ballistic missiles so 
that he can again threaten stability in the Persian Gulf region.
  Yes, the President should comply with the consultative provisions of 
the War Powers Act as he proceeds with this military action. And he has 
in fact been consulting with the Congressional leadership, as provided 
for under that Act. But he had no choice but to take a prompt decisive 
action in this matter.
  President Clinton deserves our nation's support in this decision, and 
the heroic men and women in our armed services who are carrying out his 
order deserve our support and our prayers. They are engaged in a noble 
mission, whose objective is no less than to avert the threat of a 
nuclear holocaust and reaffirm the sanctity of international law.-
  Mr. EWING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of our brave men and 
women in our armed forces who have answered their Nation's call, and 
who are now standing tall for the United States of America. In the name 
of national unity and in the spirit of peace and freedom, I believe 
this Congress must fully embrace and strongly support the mission 
currently underway in Iraq.
  It must be said that I am troubled by the Administration's failure to 
consult with Congress before sending our troops into harm's way. A 
close review of the War Powers Act clearly states that the President 
must do this before engaging our military in armed action. The fact 
that this was not done illuminates a subtle shift of power from the 
legislative branch of government to the administrative branch. In 
matters as serious as unleashing the might of our military on another 
country, this shift of power should trouble us all.
  It is my deepest hope that this military action has been well 
planned, will be well executed, and will be brought to a quick and 
decisive conclusion. The brave men and women who have taken an oath to 
protect and preserve peace and freedom throughout the world deserve 
nothing less.
  Mr. WEYGAND. Mr. Speaker, yesterday evening the United States 
launched an attack on Iraq. It is unfortunate that we were forced into 
such an action. I support the decision to use military force and offer 
my unequivocal support to the men and women of our armed services. I 
also offer my prayers for their speedy and safe return.
  Saddam Hussein has been given chance after chance to live up to the 
agreements he made at the end of the Gulf War and time after time 
refused to comply with that agreement. Last week, Saddam Hussein 
announced, once again, that he would not cooperate with the United 
Nations Special Commission's (UNSCOM) attempts to find weapons of mass 
destruction. The UNSCOM inspection teams are a critical tool in 
monitoring and preventing Iraq from developing chemical, biological and 
potentially nuclear weapons. Iraq's refusal to allow those inspectors 
to do their jobs is a direct threat to the United States, and our 
allies. Therefore, we cannot sit by while Saddam continually defies the 
international community and continues to develop weapons of mass 
destruction.
  By continually refusing to comply with agreements it made at the end 
of the Gulf War, and again after November's agreement, Iraq has proven 
itself to be a menace and threat to its neighbors and to the people of 
the United States. Preventing Iraq's development of weapons of mass 
destruction is crucial to preserving the safety and well being of all 
of our citizens and our national security.
  It has become crystal clear that Saddam Hussein will not abandon his 
efforts to develop weapons of mass destruction. We gave Saddam Hussein 
every opportunity to end hostilities and economic sanctions. All he had 
to do was comply with the agreement and stop developing weapons of mass 
destruction. I believe we had no choice but to use military force.
  Again, I offer my full and unequivocal support for our men and women 
in the armed service and pray for their quick return and a speedy end 
to this conflict.
  Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, we are at an interesting 
juncture in history. We are juxtaposed between great divisions on how 
to discipline our President and how to demonstrate unanimous support 
for the men and women of our armed forces as they proceed into armed 
conflict miles away in Iraq. Make no mistake, that even during these 
times we live in the greatest country on earth. For even in the fell 
clutch of circumstance our resolve is clear and our vision is focused. 
We will not allow Saddam Hussein to build and develop weapons of mass 
destruction; we will not allow him to continue to circumvent 
international law; we will not allow him to continue to obstruct and 
mislead U.N. weapons inspectors as they attempt to locate and inspect 
weapons sites. We will not allow him to threaten his neighbors; and we 
will not allow Saddam Hussein to threaten the future of American 
families and children. We will not allow Saddam Hussein to threaten the 
new peace in the Middle East and we will stand united against him, no 
matter the domestic crisis, and mete out the severest punishment that 
our military resources will allow us. Just as we punish serial killers 
for their crimes, we will punish this serial promise breaker for his!
  I rise to support the President's actions against Saddam Hussein and 
I rise in unwavering support of our brave and loyal troops who 
willingly lay their lives on the line for our freedom. We owe it to 
them to lay down our political differences and stand together in 
support of the President's decision to initiate military action against 
Saddam Hussein. These actions are both appropriate and necessary to 
prevent the rise of a tyrant who is determined to immortalize himself 
in the worlds history books. Saddam Hussein has a record of using 
chemical and biological weapons against his enemies, both, inside and 
outside of Iraq. He has launched SCUD missiles against Israel, Saudi 
Arabia, and other Arab countries. He has used chemical weapons against 
his Kurdish minority, and if given the opportunity and the means, he 
would not hesitate to launch an attack against the United States.
  We have given the Iraqi leader every opportunity to comply with 
weapons inspectors. We have warned Saddam that his actions would be met 
with the severest of consequences. The President's actions are in the 
best interest of our country and our children, and he deserves the full 
support of this House and the American people. We owe this much and 
more to Lt. Colonel Heidi Brown, the first woman to command an Army air 
defense battalion, and the rest of our brave soldiers who are risking 
their lives for our national sovereignty.
  I would like to thank the Leadership of the House for setting aside 
other business to support our Commander in Chief and I yield back the 
balance of my time.
  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of carrying 
out the military mission in the Persian Gulf. I commend the U.S. troops 
and I commend the President for carrying out his responsibility as 
Commander in Chief.
  The decision to strike strategic defense locations in Iraq was not 
made by the United

[[Page H11745]]

Nations. It was not made by the President. The decision to take 
military action was made by Saddam Hussein himself. On November 15, 
Hussein was given final warning by the United Nations and the United 
States that there would be no more discussion if he stood in the way of 
U.N. inspectors. When he in fact did so, as detailed in the U.N. 
inspector's report submitted on December 15, we had no choice but to 
carry out the military mission in order to eliminate Iraq's weapons of 
mass destruction.
  Those Republicans in Congress who criticize the President by saying 
he is attempting to delay the impeachment vote are the same Members of 
Congress who would have accused the President of delaying the vote of 
the Judiciary Committee had this action been necessary last week. And 
these are the same Members who would have said the President was trying 
to delay an impeachment trial if this military mission was ordered 30 
days from now.
  The bottom line is that we must not allow Saddam Hussein the ability 
to manufacture and possess weapons of mass destruction. If we do, I 
have no doubt he will use them on his neighbors and ultimately on the 
United States.
  I strongly support the President's actions and I support our U.S. 
troops in the gulf.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join my colleagues to express 
my support for the US troops in the Persian Gulf and the important work 
they are doing to protect our national security. The President is our 
Commander in Chief, and he has my support.
  The President's military and foreign policy advisors, as well as our 
allies, unanimously concluded that Saddam Hussein must be stopped now. 
His nuclear, chemical and biological weapons pose a serious and 
immediate threat. We cannot sit back and watch while he rebuilds and 
strengthens his arsenal.
  In times like these, the Congress and the leaders of both parties 
should set aside our differences to support our Commander in Chief, the 
President, and our Armed Forces. Such ought to be our instincts at this 
critical moment, and I applaud all those who have risen above partisan 
debate to support this action by our country.
  It is unclear we did in the 1991 Gulf War.
  Mr. Speaker, thank you for this opportunity to speak. It is important 
for Members from all across this country to lend their voices and 
support for our Nation's efforts to eliminate these weapons of mass 
destruction. Thank God we have taken on this task.
  Mrs. KENNELLY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support 
of our men and women in the field, and pray for their safety and the 
completion of this mission. As a former member of the Intelligence 
Committee, I speak from experience, and familiarity with the evolution 
of these matters. You are embarked on a mission vital to our national 
security and the stability of the Middle East region, and you go with 
the full support of the American people. This mission has been 
developed and planned over the last several months, and is consistent 
with the policy requirements set forth by the President and the United 
Nations in November, keyed on the final notification of noncompliance 
from the international UNSCOM team.
  There are those here who have questioned the timing of this attack. 
To those, I say we need look no farther than Saddam Hussein himself. 
Because we live in a free society, our political schedule and debate is 
not kept secret. There is no secret as to why our membership is 
gathered here today during this holiday season and able to vote on this 
resolution today. It is not hard to surmise that the enemies of our 
state throughout the world, unfamiliar and unversed in the practice of 
freedom and the expression of liberty, would mistake our spirited and 
philosophical debate for a disintegration of our collective strength, 
and choose to capitalize on it. In unity, let us send a clear message 
of restraint to those who would seek to test our resolve. We do this 
with this resolution.
  To the American people, your courage and support during this time is 
a credit to your resolve and faith in democracy. There has been much 
debate about our Constitution over the last several weeks, especially 
around the separation of our three branches of government. I submit to 
you a living example of the wisdom of our founders, that while in the 
throws of partisan and philosophical division gripping this House, the 
Nation still has the ability to respond quickly and directly to crisis. 
This is our strength, this is our Constitution, this is our Nation, and 
the legacy I stand before you to support and protect. The President, 
our Commander in Chief, and our men and women in the armed services 
have our complete and unwavering support in their mission.
  Mr. POMEROY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution 
and the heroic men and women who serve in our Nation's Armed Forces.
  Even in the midst of a critical domestic debate, we stand firmly 
united in the face of threats to our interests abroad. Saddam Hussein 
continues to violate the terms of the agreement that ended the gulf 
war, and we must contain the threat he poses to the security of the 
region. Saddam Hussein's proliferation of weapons of mass destruction 
continues to threaten lives in the Persian Gulf and around the world.
  Mr. Speaker, our Armed Forces risk their lives every day to protect 
American families against threats like that posed by Saddam Hussein. I 
would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude 
for their loyal service. It is critical that our troops have a clear 
and unequivocal understanding that Congress and the American people are 
one hundred percent behind them. They deserve nothing less than our 
full and unwavering support in this and all their endeavors.
  Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, world peace has been jeopardized 
because of Saddam Hussein's continued reluctance to cooperate with UN 
weapons inspectors. In the past 13 months, the United Nations Special 
Commission on Iraq (UNSCOM) has evacuated from Baghdad, in full or in 
part, four times. These include an incident in November of 1997, when 
Iraq refused to allow Americans to participate in UNSCOM, a second time 
when Iraq refused to grant unconditional access to sensitive sites in 
February of 1998, and the beginning of the most recent crisis in 
November of 1998 when Iraq stopped cooperating with UNSCOM until 
yesterday when Ambassador Butler reports that Iraq was not cooperating 
with UNSCOM.
  When dealing with a dictator as ruthless and unpredictable as Saddam 
Hussein, that has developed weapons of mass destruction, it is 
imperative that the United States take a firm stand and refuse to 
continue to give ground. The information available to us from the 
previous inspections and intelligence reports show that Iraq is still 
working diligently to build an arsenal of weapons. It is my firm belief 
that the military strikes which were launched were necessary to show 
Iraq that their behavior is unacceptable.
  I strongly favor this resolution of support for the men and women of 
our armed forces in and around the Persian Gulf. This Nation must stand 
as one, despite politics, when we confront terrorists such as Saddam 
Hussein.
  Mr. POSHARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the concurrent 
resolution and urge its adoption.
  Our moral authority and the military might enforcing that authority 
exist in large part thanks to the men and women wearing the uniform of 
the United States of America.
  Their voluntary commitment to serving this country, its people and 
its principles is what makes us strong and capable of taking the action 
that is currently underway.
  We work for peace and for resolution to conflict that puts our men 
and women in harm's way. And we are eternally thankful for their 
devotion and sacrifice.
  Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of this resolution and commend America's armed forces in Iraq. We must 
destroy Saddam Hussein's ability to make and use weapons of mass 
destruction and eliminate his ability to wage war against his 
neighbors.
  Inspectors began their mission to oversee the elimination of Iraq's 
weapons seven years ago. Since then, Saddam Hussein has repeatedly 
failed to comply with UN inspection agreements. Iraq has continued to 
block UNSCOM from inspecting sites, and has restricted UNSCOM's ability 
to obtain critical evidence. This defiance poses a clear and present 
danger to countries in the Gulf and people across the world.
  In November, the President made it clear that if Saddam Hussein 
failed to cooperate, we would strike without warning or delay. The 
President's advisors informed him that mid-December would be the 
appropriate time for this mission. Failure to act decisively at this 
juncture would provide Saddam Hussein with time to protect his weapons 
and prepare for potential action against him.
  The President's decision was based upon the unanimous recommendation 
of the Vice President, the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of 
Staff, the Secretary of State and the National Security Adviser. Tony 
Blair, Prime Minister of Great Britain, concurred that now is the time 
to strike. In the President's address to the American people yesterday, 
he had ``no doubt that left unchecked, Saddam Hussein will use these 
terrible weapons again.'' I strongly support the President's decision 
and believe that we must stand united behind our troops. Our men and 
women in uniform are putting their lives in danger to protect the 
interests of the people of the United States and our allies around the 
world.
  Mr. SCARBOROUGH. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support H. Res. 612, a 
resolution supporting our troops in the Persian Gulf. Despite strong 
concerns over the timing behind these air strikes, it is imperative 
that we stand in support of our armed forces. Many troops from my 
northwest Florida district will be involved in

[[Page H11746]]

this operation and they deserve the full support of Congress and the 
American people.
  Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the men 
and women of the U.S. armed forces deployed in the Persian Gulf for 
their professionalism, patriotism, dedication and courage.
  As the new millennium approaches, the greatest threat to our national 
security is the proliferation of biological and chemical weapons. 
Saddam Hussein's regime has demonstrated again and again its desire to 
manufacture and use these weapons of mass destruction. We simply cannot 
allow Saddam the capability and the resources to complete this awful 
task.
  Day in and day out, the men and women of our armed forces perform the 
vitally important job of protecting our national security. I'm proud of 
their work, and I am deeply grateful to those who have accepted this 
challenge in the Persian Gulf. With over 24,000 U.S. troops in the 
Persian Gulf, we must give our brave soldiers our unequivocal support 
and encouragement at this difficult time.
  We applaud our brave troops and thank them for their service to our 
country. Our thoughts and prayers are with our troops and their 
families.
  Mr. BOEHLERT. Mr. Speaker, I want to join my colleagues in expressing 
my unqualified support for our troops as they undertake this important 
mission. I cannot overstate my admiration for our troops as they put 
their lives on the line to make the world safer for all. Saddam Hussein 
is a threat to many nations, as the President made clear last night, 
and we must make sure that his ambitions are contained and his 
capabilities limited.
  This is a time when Americans must come together. This mission is a 
logical and justified step in an American policy that began during the 
Bush Administration. Having been briefed on the incidents that led up 
to this mission, I have faith that our military and political leaders--
those with the best information--have made an appropriate and entirely 
defensible decision. And I applaud the willingness of the British to 
join us, which underscores the military and political credibility of 
the mission.
  We must put aside partisan and other divisions now. I agree 
wholeheartedly with Speaker-Elect Livingston's decision to postpone the 
impeachment debate. We need to pause, take in the magnitude of what has 
been happening, and support our troops. I believe that is what the 
House is now doing and I hope all Americans will follow suit.
  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, anytime young Americans are carrying out our 
foreign policy with parts of our national security apparatus, Congress 
should stand in support of them, of the Commander in Chief and of the 
policy they propound. If anyone disagrees with the policy, it is their 
duty to speak up in this democracy.
  As a member of the National Security Committee, I know what sort of 
threat is posed by Saddam Hussein's arsenal of terror of the 
biological, chemical and nuclear sort. He has exploited our biggest 
weakness, a lack of committed, long-standing allies in the Gulf region. 
It is important to note the recent diplomatic breakthrough in the 
Middle East at Gaza, which no doubt reinforced in the minds of our Arab 
and Jewish friends the good will intended to Gulf states on the part of 
the United States.
  Also, it is of tremendous importance to note that the uniformed 
services, who have been openly critical of President Clinton and this 
Administration from time to time, have spoken in unison and with 
passion about the timing and the need for the strikes at this time. 
Just as the United States took strong action against terrorism in the 
embassy bombings in the midst of Congress' impeachment activities, we 
again move forward unaffected by a domestic partisan squabble in the 
Congress.
  I support the President, the troops and the policy of a long-term 
commitment to the disarming of the terrorist nation that has been a 
thorn in the world's flesh for nearly a decade. I commend the President 
for moving forward on U.S. policy around the world when military events 
dictate.
  Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support the men and women of our 
military participating in Operation Desert Fox. Their willingness to 
risk their lives defending our Constitution and freedom is the highest 
form of patriotism.
  Saddam Hussein has stood in the way of allowing the United Nations 
Special Commission (UNSCOM) to conduct their inspections that were 
mandated in the 1991 cease-fire one-too-many times. He has continued to 
break promises and put the people of Iraq in harm's way. On November 
14, Saddam was given his last chance to resume full cooperation as a 
condition of the 1991 cease-fire. Nonetheless, Iraq has blocked the 
United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) from inspecting suspect 
sites and restricted its ability to obtain necessary evidence. Iraq has 
failed to cooperate. His actions have jeopardized the security and 
stability of the Persian Gulf that our troops fought so hard for in 
1991. This is simply unacceptable. Saddam has now run out of chances.
  The President is completely justified in his use of force. The 
leaders he depends on to advise him on national security matters, the 
Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the 
Secretary of State, and the National Security Advisor, have unanimously 
endorsed not only the use of force, but the timing of the attack as 
well. Furthermore, this attack was in coordination with the British 
military. The credibility of the United Nations as a peace-keeping 
organization is predicated on the ability of its members to enforce its 
mandates.
  But let's not lose sight of the most important reason we are on the 
floor today: to recognize the bravery of our soldiers. What our troops 
are doing is very dangerous and extremely important. It is not us who 
honor them with this resolution, it is they who honor us with their 
service. Their readiness, skill, and courage that they have 
demonstrated and continue to demonstrate are a credit to the great 
military tradition of this nation. It is that tradition that we are 
supporting.
  I want to express my most heartfelt appreciation to the troops and 
their families for their tremendous sacrifice and my most sincere hope 
that this conflict will be over soon so our men and women serving in 
the Persian Gulf will celebrate safe and blessed holidays at home.
  Mr. LaHOOD. I rise in support of House Resolution 612, a resolution 
of support for the men and women in uniform. They have been called upon 
to once again ``check'' Saddam Hussein's refusal to comply with world 
demands that he stop the mass production of chemical weapons.
  Mr. Speaker, after learning that the U.S. military forces had engaged 
enemy forces, my prayers and undeniable support went out to them and 
their families. For years, they have selflessly defended America's 
national security interests in the Persian Gulf at great personal 
sacrifice. All Americans can be proud of the way our troops have 
performed. They are a credit to our nation and an inspiration to us 
all. Regardless of the questions raised by the unique circumstances, 
Mr. Speaker, it is important that our troops know that Congress and the 
nation are behind them.
  The challenges to U.S. security posed by Saddam's actions in Iraq is 
stark. Simply put, the United States cannot allow Saddam to continue to 
frustrate the efforts of the international community and to rebuild his 
weapons capabilities. Doing so would again allow him to threaten his 
neighbors, U.S. friends and allies in the region, and direct U.S. 
interest.
  Whatever one thinks of the timing of these latest U.S. military 
strikes against Iraq, we are all unified in support of our service men 
and women. We are proud of each and every one of them. I urge all my 
colleagues to support this resolution and urge all Americans to pray 
for the safety of our sons and daughters, and husbands and wives who 
are currently in harm's way in the Gulf.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues for their unanimous support.
  Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of President Clinton's 
decision to order military strikes against Saddam Hussein and 
especially in support of our troops in action.
  Since committing at the end of the Persian Gulf War to full and open 
inspections of his nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons 
capabilities, Saddam Hussein has repeatedly blocked the work of the 
United Nations inspectors. Time and again he has refused to turn over 
key documents and he has continually refused UNSCOM inspectors entry to 
suspect facilities.
  On November 14, Saddam asked for one more chance, and we gave it to 
him. Once again he reneged on his commitment. Military action is now 
necessary to stop his efforts to produce weapons of mass destruction.
  Our troops engaged in Iraq are doing good, important, and dangerous 
work. They deserve our prayers and support.
  As a member of the National Security Committee, I returned on Tuesday 
from a trip to visit our troops deployed in the Balkans. I had the 
opportunity to see first-hand the sacrifices our men and women in 
uniform make in service to our nation. Americans in the Gulf are now 
making the ultimate sacrifice and it is our responsibility to be 
steadfast in our support.
  This is not a time for partisan bickering. This is a time when we 
must come together as a nation in support of our men and women fighting 
for a just cause.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the resolution and 
provide their full backing to our fighting men and women in Iraq.
  Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to rise today in support of 
our troops in the Persian Gulf. In my mind, there is no more honorable 
duty than that of our members of the armed services.
  Since the close of the Persian Gulf War, Iraq has repeatedly refused 
to comply with U.N. resolutions concerning its weapons of mass 
destruction. Saddam Hussein continues

[[Page H11747]]

to thumb his nose at the United States. Iraq is a threat to both our 
allies and our troops currently stationed in the region. I have always 
and will always support military action to contain Iraq's dangerous 
development of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons. It is time we 
put a stop to Saddam Hussein and his ludicrous ways.
  As a former member of the Navy I understand the commitment and love 
for country which is needed to serve in our armed services. These 
soldiers are giving the ultimate level of commitment by defending 
freedom.
  Mr. Speaker, my thoughts and prayers go out to our troops and their 
families.
  Mr. LINDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in favor of this resolution that 
expresses our strong and absolute support for the men and women of the 
U.S. armed forces deployed in the Persian Gulf for their 
professionalism, patriotism, dedication, and courage. I am deeply 
grateful to the soldiers and the families of these troops for their 
contribution to the cause of peace and the national security of the 
United States. When our troops are engaged in hostilities or are in 
harms way, we unconditionally support them in the dangerous work that 
they do to protect the interests of the United States. While the 
President's timing of this attack is questionable, I leave that 
question to the best judgment of the American people.
  Saddam Hussein is a murderous dictator who cannot be permitted to 
continue to release his terror on his people and the world. He has 
repeatedly proven that he cannot be trusted, and Iraq will remain a 
threat to peace as long as this dictator remains in charge. The mission 
by our troops against Saddam Hussein is a just one and it is absolutely 
necessary, but it should have come months ago.
  I am very proud of all the American men and women who currently serve 
our country in the Middle East. The presence of the greatest fighting 
force in the world--the United States military--in the Middle East 
plays a vital role in keeping peace there. These troops have our 
unwavering support. May God be with each of them as they carry out 
their task with patriotism and courage.
  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, as the representative for Vandenberg Air 
Force Base on the Central Coast of California, I have always supported 
our servicemen and women and their families. Today, I rise today in 
strong support of our troops and of this critical mission to protect 
our national interest and safeguard our global stability.
  Yesterday, we entered a new phase in our multilateral campaign to 
rein in Saddam Hussein's ability to terrorize his people and his 
neighbors, and to destabilize the Middle East and the international 
community. There can be no doubt that this action is justified and 
brought on solely by Saddam's refusal to allow UNSCOM to complete its 
inspections in a thorough and timely manner. Decisive action was 
undertaken at precisely the right time to bring about the greatest 
impact with the least cost.
  Hussein's attempts to manufacture chemical, biological and nuclear 
weapons of mass destruction is well known, and so is his willingness to 
use them. He must be stopped--by diplomatic measures if possible, but 
by force if necessary. Only by confronting Saddam can we end his reign 
of terror which has inflicted untold human suffering on his own people.
  Mr. Speaker, this morning I spoke with the commander at Vandenberg to 
express my support for the selfless work that he and his troops do 
everyday in the service of this country. This dedication is always 
brought into sharp focus during times like this, but make no mistake--
our military men and women are on the job every day to safeguard our 
freedom. We owe them a debt of gratitude for their devotion to duty and 
country which is present everyday and so particularly evident today.
  I urge my colleagues to support our troops and their important 
mission by passing this important resolution.
  Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to return to Washington, DC, 
today in time to cast my vote in favor of the House Resolution 
supporting our military operations and personnel in the current action 
against Saddam Hussein. The Majority Leadership in the House failed to 
inform Members of the scheduling of a recorded vote until it was too 
late for me to catch any flight last night from my district to 
Washington. I fully support our military service men and women as they 
carry out their duties in support of President Clinton's order for an 
air and missile attack of Iraqi weapons-producing and military targets. 
Now is the time for our nation to support the Commander in Chief who 
was forced into this decision after United Nations arms inspectors 
reported that Baghdad continues to obstruct the will and mandate of the 
U.N.
  Again, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on the 
resolution of support.
  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of President 
Clinton's decision to order U.S. naval and air forces to strike at 
military and government targets in Iraq in response to Saddam Hussein's 
latest refusal to allow international arms officials to inspect weapons 
facilities for biological and chemical weapons.
  As long as weapons of mass destruction are in Hussein's possession, 
Iraq poses a deadly threat to security in the already volatile Middle 
East. In addition, he is capable of wreaking havoc anywhere in the 
world--including the United States--using only a minimal amount of his 
chemical/biological stockpile. Let me be clear, allowing Hussein to 
continue gathering his weapons of mass destruction would have far 
reaching consequences for the safety of mankind beyond the physical 
boundaries of the middle east. One only has to see one of the well 
publicized photos of a field of Kurdish corpses to see an example of 
the chemical genocide he inflicted on his own people.
  Hussein has tested the will of America and the world community one 
too many times, and now he bears full responsibility for his actions. 
The terms of the agreement that averted a November air strike were 
clear: comply or face the consequences. However, Hussein continues to 
engage in a long pattern of games in hiding Iraq's nuclear and 
biological warfare capabilities. As long as Iraq plans to continue to 
defy the United Nations and the world community by attempting to 
continue to develop weapons of mass destruction in the face of 
international condemnation, the United States must remain vigilant and 
ready to act. This strike sends a firm message to Hussein that the 
United States is not going to tolerate his failure to comply with 
required weapons inspection obligations any longer. The United States, 
as leader of the world community, must be prepared to act forcefully to 
end Iraq's defiance, and I firmly support the use of this force to 
eliminate Iraq's ability to produce weapons that threaten its 
neighbors.
  Terrorism is the single greatest threat to the Untied States and its 
security. We need to stand behind the President's decision when our 
national security is threatened. The brave men and women of the U.S. 
Armed Forces deserve our unwavering support and gratitude, and I 
commend each and everyone one of those brave soldiers carrying out this 
important mission.
  Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for the 
U.S. troops who are bravely carrying out this current action against 
Iraq. Being deployed and separated from one's country and family is 
difficult at any time, but especially during the Christmas season. I 
join millions of Americans and others around the world in praying for 
their safety during this time.
  I also pray the Iraqi people will find a way to create for themselves 
a government headed by legitimate leaders who can bring them back into 
the fold of law-abiding nations. Until such change takes place, I fear 
that the military presence of the United States, Britain, and other 
nations will have to be maintained at great financial cost.
  For several years, President Clinton has submitted to Congress a 
defense budget in which he refused to include funding for the expensive 
peacekeeping mission in Bosnia. This forces Congress to add so-called 
emergency funding beyond the budget agreement or else seriously damage 
the readiness of our other military forces by transferring money from 
their budgets. With the almost certain end of the weapons inspection 
mission, we face yet another prolonged, expensive deployment of U.S. 
troops and equipment.
  In light of his continued use of military forces for a wide range of 
missions, I call upon the President to ensure a timely release of all 
funds in the FY99 defense bills and the one billion dollars included in 
the omnibus bill for national missile defense. I also ask that he 
respond in a positive way to the many calls for a defense budget which 
will meet the demands placed upon our military. We need to support our 
troops not only in word, but also in deed, by providing the resources 
they need to do their job.
  Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. LaHood). All time for debate has 
expired.
  The resolution is considered read for amendment.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the order of the House of today, 
the previous question is ordered.
  The question is on the resolution.
  The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that 
the ayes appeared to have it.
  Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--yeas 417, 
nays 5, answered ``present'' 1, not voting 12, as follows:

                             [Roll No. 539]

                               YEAS--417

     Abercrombie
     Ackerman
     Aderholt
     Allen
     Andrews
     Archer
     Armey
     Bachus
     Baker
     Baldacci
     Ballenger
     Barcia
     Barr
     Barrett (NE)
     Barrett (WI)

[[Page H11748]]


     Bartlett
     Barton
     Bass
     Bateman
     Becerra
     Bentsen
     Bereuter
     Berman
     Berry
     Bilbray
     Bilirakis
     Bishop
     Blagojevich
     Bliley
     Blumenauer
     Blunt
     Boehlert
     Boehner
     Bonilla
     Bonior
     Bono
     Borski
     Boswell
     Boucher
     Boyd
     Brady (PA)
     Brady (TX)
     Brown (CA)
     Brown (FL)
     Brown (OH)
     Bryant
     Bunning
     Burr
     Burton
     Buyer
     Callahan
     Calvert
     Camp
     Campbell
     Canady
     Cannon
     Capps
     Cardin
     Carson
     Castle
     Chabot
     Chambliss
     Chenoweth
     Christensen
     Clay
     Clayton
     Clement
     Clyburn
     Coble
     Coburn
     Collins
     Combest
     Condit
     Cook
     Cooksey
     Costello
     Cox
     Coyne
     Cramer
     Crane
     Crapo
     Cubin
     Cummings
     Cunningham
     Danner
     Davis (FL)
     Davis (IL)
     Davis (VA)
     Deal
     DeFazio
     Delahunt
     DeLauro
     DeLay
     Deutsch
     Diaz-Balart
     Dickey
     Dicks
     Dingell
     Dixon
     Doggett
     Dooley
     Doyle
     Dreier
     Duncan
     Dunn
     Edwards
     Ehlers
     Ehrlich
     Emerson
     Engel
     English
     Ensign
     Eshoo
     Etheridge
     Evans
     Everett
     Ewing
     Farr
     Fattah
     Fawell
     Fazio
     Filner
     Foley
     Forbes
     Ford
     Fossella
     Fowler
     Fox
     Frank (MA)
     Franks (NJ)
     Frelinghuysen
     Frost
     Ganske
     Gejdenson
     Gekas
     Gephardt
     Gibbons
     Gilchrest
     Gillmor
     Gilman
     Gingrich
     Gonzalez
     Goode
     Goodlatte
     Goodling
     Gordon
     Goss
     Graham
     Granger
     Green
     Greenwood
     Gutierrez
     Gutknecht
     Hall (OH)
     Hall (TX)
     Hamilton
     Hansen
     Harman
     Hastert
     Hastings (FL)
     Hastings (WA)
     Hayworth
     Hefley
     Hefner
     Herger
     Hill
     Hilleary
     Hilliard
     Hinchey
     Hinojosa
     Hobson
     Hoekstra
     Holden
     Hooley
     Horn
     Hostettler
     Houghton
     Hoyer
     Hulshof
     Hunter
     Hutchinson
     Hyde
     Inglis
     Istook
     Jackson (IL)
     Jackson-Lee (TX)
     Jefferson
     Jenkins
     John
     Johnson (CT)
     Johnson (WI)
     Johnson, E. B.
     Johnson, Sam
     Jones
     Kanjorski
     Kaptur
     Kasich
     Kelly
     Kennedy (MA)
     Kennedy (RI)
     Kennelly
     Kildee
     Kilpatrick
     Kim
     Kind (WI)
     King (NY)
     Kingston
     Kleczka
     Klink
     Klug
     Knollenberg
     Kolbe
     Kucinich
     LaFalce
     LaHood
     Lampson
     Lantos
     Largent
     Latham
     LaTourette
     Lazio
     Leach
     Levin
     Lewis (CA)
     Lewis (GA)
     Lewis (KY)
     Linder
     Lipinski
     Livingston
     LoBiondo
     Lofgren
     Lowey
     Lucas
     Luther
     Maloney (CT)
     Maloney (NY)
     Manzullo
     Markey
     Martinez
     Mascara
     Matsui
     McCarthy (MO)
     McCarthy (NY)
     McCollum
     McCrery
     McDade
     McDermott
     McGovern
     McHale
     McHugh
     McInnis
     McIntosh
     McIntyre
     McKeon
     McNulty
     Meehan
     Meek (FL)
     Meeks (NY)
     Menendez
     Metcalf
     Mica
     Millender-McDonald
     Miller (FL)
     Minge
     Mink
     Moakley
     Mollohan
     Moran (KS)
     Moran (VA)
     Morella
     Myrick
     Nadler
     Neal
     Nethercutt
     Neumann
     Ney
     Northup
     Norwood
     Nussle
     Oberstar
     Obey
     Olver
     Ortiz
     Owens
     Oxley
     Packard
     Pallone
     Pappas
     Parker
     Pascrell
     Pastor
     Paxon
     Payne
     Pease
     Pelosi
     Peterson (MN)
     Peterson (PA)
     Petri
     Pickering
     Pickett
     Pitts
     Pombo
     Pomeroy
     Porter
     Portman
     Poshard
     Price (NC)
     Pryce (OH)
     Quinn
     Radanovich
     Rahall
     Ramstad
     Rangel
     Redmond
     Regula
     Reyes
     Riggs
     Riley
     Rivers
     Rodriguez
     Roemer
     Rogan
     Rogers
     Rohrabacher
     Ros-Lehtinen
     Rothman
     Roukema
     Roybal-Allard
     Royce
     Ryun
     Sabo
     Salmon
     Sanders
     Sandlin
     Sawyer
     Saxton
     Schaefer, Dan
     Schaffer, Bob
     Schumer
     Scott
     Sensenbrenner
     Serrano
     Sessions
     Shadegg
     Shaw
     Shays
     Sherman
     Shimkus
     Shuster
     Sisisky
     Skaggs
     Skeen
     Skelton
     Slaughter
     Smith (MI)
     Smith (NJ)
     Smith (OR)
     Smith (TX)
     Smith, Adam
     Smith, Linda
     Snyder
     Solomon
     Souder
     Spence
     Spratt
     Stabenow
     Stark
     Stearns
     Stenholm
     Stokes
     Strickland
     Stump
     Stupak
     Sununu
     Talent
     Tanner
     Tauscher
     Tauzin
     Taylor (MS)
     Thomas
     Thompson
     Thornberry
     Thune
     Thurman
     Tiahrt
     Tierney
     Torres
     Towns
     Traficant
     Turner
     Upton
     Velazquez
     Vento
     Visclosky
     Walsh
     Wamp
     Waters
     Watkins
     Watt (NC)
     Watts (OK)
     Waxman
     Weldon (FL)
     Weldon (PA)
     Weller
     Wexler
     Weygand
     White
     Whitfield
     Wicker
     Wilson
     Wise
     Wolf
     Woolsey
     Wynn
     Yates
     Young (AK)
     Young (FL)

                                NAYS--5

     Conyers
     Lee
     McKinney
     Paul
     Sanford

                        ANSWERED ``PRESENT''--1

       
     Furse
       

                             NOT VOTING--12

     Baesler
     DeGette
     Doolittle
     Gallegly
     Manton
     Miller (CA)
     Murtha
     Rush
     Sanchez
     Scarborough
     Snowbarger
     Taylor (NC)

                              {time}  1300

  So the resolution was agreed to.
  The result of the vote was announced as above recorded.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________