[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7331]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       EXPRESSING SUPPORT AND APPRECIATION FOR THE PRESIDENT AND 
     MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES PARTICIPATING IN OPERATION IRAQI 
                                FREEDOM

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                  in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 20, 2003

  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the House Leadership for introducing 
this important resolution. Today, we recognize, support, and commend 
our brave service men and women for their dedication, for their 
sacrifice, and for their supreme love of country. We thank and honor 
those who serve on behalf of liberty and freedom.
  Our Nation has committed our military to defend the world from grave 
danger and to assure the security for all nations by disarming Saddam 
Hussein. For more than 4\1/2\ months, this brutal dictator has ignored 
the clear resolve of the United Nations and the world that Iraq 
immediately disarm. In the face of Iraq's continued defiance of the 
international community, the United States and our allies have been 
forced to act. It had been my ardent hope that, through forceful 
diplomacy and clear resolve, we would have avoided this war. However, 
in the face of Saddam Hussein's history of deception, the U.S. and its 
broad range of international partners have decided now is the time to 
act to disarm Iraq. In the coming days and weeks, it will be critically 
important for our Nation to support and pray for the safety of our 
troops in this time of uncertainty.
  Following the terrorist attacks of September 11th, I participated in 
countless classified briefings and hearings before the House 
Intelligence Committee. We know that Iraq has continued to build 
weapons of mass destruction, has energized its missile program, and is 
investing in biological weapons. Saddam Hussein is determined to obtain 
weapons-grade material to develop nuclear weapons. His biological 
weapons program is more advanced than before the Gulf War. All of these 
actions have been done in flagrant violation of U.N. Security Council 
resolutions. The Iraqi people have not brought this situation upon 
themselves, but rather the blame is on the brutal dictatorship of 
Saddam Hussein.
  Apart from the current military action, our focus must be on working 
with the world community to rebuild Iraq following the military 
actions. As we move forward in Iraq and in other crisis spots around 
the world, I am hopeful that the United States will continue to 
strengthen its unity with the international community.
  Today, we stand firmly behind our Armed Forces. We thank the brave 
men and women who risk their lives to keep our Nation free and safe. We 
offer our respect, our supreme gratitude, and the promise that we shall 
not forget your bravery and your sacrifice. We are proud of you. May 
God bless you and keep you safe.

                          ____________________