[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 5, 2003)]
[House]
[Pages H277-H278]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 AMERICA SHOULD GAIN SUPPORT OF UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNSEL BEFORE 
                             ATTACK ON IRAQ

  (Mr. BROWN of Ohio asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, Secretary Powell's address today 
reiterated that Saddam Hussein is an evil dictator, but he did not 
explain how a preemptive war is in the best interests of the American 
people. Will a preemptive attack on Iraq without United Nations support 
make America safer? How will attacking Iraq prevent the

[[Page H278]]

proliferation of weapons of mass destruction? What will preemptive war 
do to stability in the Middle East? Are we ready to commit to a decade 
of American troops policing Iraq and the billions of dollars needed to 
rebuild and stabilize that country?
  Before we start a war that could kill thousands of civilians, could 
create hundreds of new al Qaeda recruits, could increase the potential 
of blow-back aimed at innocent American citizens, we must think through 
the consequences of our actions and be prepared for a long, difficult 
road in Iraq.
  One thing is certain: Any action against Iraq will be much more 
difficult, much more costly, much more dangerous if we take preemptive 
action against Iraq without the support of the United Nations Security 
Council.

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