[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book II)]
[December 18, 1998]
[Pages 2195-2196]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Letter to Congressional Leaders on the Military Strikes Against Iraq
December 18, 1998

Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)
    At approximately 5:00 p.m. eastern standard time on December 16, 
1998, at my direction, U.S. military forces conducted missile and 
aircraft strikes in Iraq in response to Iraqi breaches of its 
obligations under resolutions of the United Nations Security Council. 
The strikes will degrade Iraq's ability to develop and deliver weapons 
of mass destruction (WMD) and its ability to threaten its neighbors. 
This action, carried out in concert with military forces of the United 
Kingdom, enjoys the support of many of our friends and allies. It is 
consistent with and has been taken in support of numerous U.N. Security 
Council resolutions, including Resolutions 678 and 687, which authorize 
U.N. Member States to use ``all necessary means'' to implement the 
Security Council resolutions and to

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restore peace and security in the region and establish the terms of the 
cease-fire mandated by the Council, including those related to the 
destruction of Iraq's WMD programs.
    United States strikes are ongoing. United States forces have 
targeted facilities that are actively involved in WMD and ballistic 
missile activities, or pose a threat to Iraq's neighbors or to U.S. 
forces conducting this operation.
    At the same time I ordered the strikes, I authorized the deployment 
of additional U.S. forces to Southwest Asia. These forces include U.S. 
Army, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Air Force units to reinforce those forces 
already present in the region. These forces will remain in the region as 
long as is necessary to protect the national security interests of the 
United States.
    I directed these actions pursuant to my authority under the 
Constitution as Commander in Chief and as Chief Executive, and to 
conduct U.S. foreign relations, as well as under the Authorization for 
Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution (Public Law 102-1) enacted 
in January 1991.
    I am providing this report as part of my efforts to keep the 
Congress fully informed, consistent with Public Law 102-1. I appreciate 
the support of the Congress as we continue to take all necessary steps 
to secure Iraqi compliance with U.N. Security Council resolutions.
        Sincerely,

                                                            Bill Clinton

Note: Identical letters were sent to Newt Gingrich, Speaker of the House 
of Representatives, and Strom Thurmond, President pro tempore of the 
Senate.