[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 97 (Wednesday, July 17, 2002)]
[House]
[Pages H4771-H4772]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        CONGRESS MUST PLAY A ROLE IN ANY POSSIBLE ATTACK ON IRAQ

  (Mr. KUCINICH asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, it is worth considering the headlines 
regarding Iraq in the last week. From United Press International: 
``U.S. Plans Massive Invasion of Iraq.'' From Associated Press: ``U.S. 
Says Iraq Would Target Troops.'' From United Press: ``According to 
officials who spoke to UPI, three dates are being discussed as possible 
times to launch the attack. The first would be before the

[[Page H4772]]

November elections.'' And from Associated Press: ``U.S. worries Iraq's 
chemical, biological weapons would target invading American troops in 
Israel.''
  There has been discussion of a quarter of a million of our men and 
women being sent to Iraq. The discussion is in the media, it is not on 
the floor of this House. The New York Times editorial says as follows: 
``Congressional leaders, including top Democrats, have rushed to voice 
approval for the popular notion of getting rid of Mr. Hussein. They 
have not, however, lived up to their responsibility for demanding a 
full public disclosure about how to pursue this attractive goal with 
maximum chances of success and minimum risk to American forces' 
interest and alliances. Discussion of these issues is possible without 
giving away legitimate military secrets.''
  War with Iraq, if it comes, is still many months away. What is 
urgently needed now is informed and serious debate, and attention to 
article I, section 8 of the Constitution, which requires Congress has a 
role.

                          ____________________