[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 155 (Saturday, December 19, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2360]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 EXPRESSING UNEQUIVOCAL SUPPORT FOR MEN AND WOMEN OF OUR ARMED FORCES 
   CURRENTLY CARRYING OUT MISSIONS IN AND AROUND PERSIAN GULF REGION

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CHRISTOPHER JOHN

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 17, 1998

  Mr. JOHN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for the 
American men and women who are putting their lives on the line in the 
Persian Gulf to protect our nation and the world from the threat being 
posed by Saddam Hussein's arsenal of terror. Sadly, Saddam has again 
called into question the commitment of the United States and our allies 
to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq by 
blocking the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) from inspecting 
suspected sites and restricting its ability to review evidence.
  Nobody in this chamber wishes harm on the people of Iraq, but the 
repeated refusal of Saddam to comply with the conditions of the 1991 
cease-fire poses a clear and present danger to the national security 
interests of our nation. I stand by the decision of the President and 
his national security advisors to launch a military strike against Iraq 
and condemn Saddam for forcing this upon his people. There can be no 
doubt that decisive military action is justified and that Saddam bears 
full responsibility for these actions.
  As the leader of the world community, the United States must remain 
vigilant in our efforts to expose and destroy Iraq's chemical, 
biological and nuclear capabilities. The UNSCOM inspectors are a 
critical tool in accomplishing this objective. With the UNSCOM report 
issued only days ago and Islamic observance of Ramadan beginning this 
weekend, the timing of U.S. air strikes were critical to the success of 
this mission. We can only hope that U.S. and British military forces in 
the Persian Gulf can accomplish what repeated efforts at diplomacy 
could not.
  I want to express my gratitude to our soldiers, sailors and pilots 
who are carrying out this vital effort and tell their families that our 
thoughts and prayers will be with them during this holiday season. I 
offer my unequivocal support for their just cause and pray for their 
quick and safe return.

                          ____________________