    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book I)]
    [March 18, 2003]
    [Page 280]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders on the Conclusion of Diplomatic Efforts
    With Regard to Iraq
    March 18, 2003

    Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)
        Consistent with section 3(b) of the Authorization for Use of
    Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (Public Law 107-243), and
    based on information available to me, including that in the enclosed
    document, I determine that:
           (1)   reliance by the United States on further diplomatic and
                other peaceful means alone will neither (A) adequately
                protect the national security of the United States against
                the continuing threat posed by Iraq nor (B) likely lead to
                enforcement of all relevant United Nations Security Council
                resolutions regarding Iraq; and
           (2)   acting pursuant to the Constitution and Public Law 107-243
                is consistent with the United States and other countries
                continuing to take the necessary actions against
                international terrorists and terrorist organizations,
                including those nations, organizations, or persons who
                planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist
                attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001.
             Sincerely,

                                                              George W. Bush

    Note: Identical letters were sent to J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the
    House of Representatives, and Ted Stevens, President pro tempore of the
    Senate. This letter was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    March 19.