[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Page 7257]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      COMMENDING U.S. ARMED FORCES

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, last night the President addressed the 
Nation to announce that coalition forces were in the early stages of 
military operations to disarm Iraq, to free its people, and to defend 
the world from grave danger.
  This action was taken as a last resort against an evil dictator, 
Saddam Hussein, who for 12 years has continued to defy and evade his 
commitments and responsibilities set out for him by 17 United Nations 
Security Council resolutions.
  I believe Saddam Hussein must be disarmed, and for this reason I 
supported the resolution authorizing the President to take military 
action if diplomatic efforts were unsuccessful.
  And, while some Members of this body did not support the 
authorization for the use of force back in October, I am confident that 
we here, Republicans and Democrats, stand united in our support for our 
uniformed personnel now in harm's way.
  During the past few weeks and months, I have seen and heard 
communities all across my State send off, with tearful eyes, their sons 
and daughters, husbands and wives, and moms and dads who have been 
called to serve.
  These brave men and women, from Decorah to Muscatine, Red Oak, to 
Mason City, Pocahontas to Davenport, stood proud while high school 
bands played the ``Star Spangled Banner,'' and local religious leaders 
prayed for their safe return.
  Over 3,700 Reserve and National Guard troops in Iowa have been called 
up for active duty. They come from all professions and all economic 
backgrounds.
  I commend them, and all those serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, for 
their courage, bravery and patriotism. I am grateful for the enormous 
sacrifice made by these men and women and their families. I could not 
be more honored by their commitment to freedom, and I will continue to 
pray for their quick and safe return home to their loved ones.

                          ____________________