Rep. Nzalez
NZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, all Members of Congress agree that Saddam Hussein is a dangerous and tyrannical man. He is the enemy of the United States and all other civilized nations and his ability to wage biological and chemical warfare must eventually be extinguished. But this can and must be accomplished without imperiling the security of our citizens or the moral integrity that has characterized the United States as the greatest democracy in the world.
Mr. Speaker, Congress cannot abdicate its responsibility in the decision to wage war and invade another country. This resolution makes possible a unilateral declaration of war against Iraq based on the sole determination of the President. He can do this without exhausting multi-national efforts and for any reason he deems appropriate. This is an overly broad delegation of authority from the legislative branch to the executive branch which is contrary to Constitutional authority.
Mr. Speaker, the substitute offered by Congressman SPRATT, which failed today, would have told the United Nations, Saddam Hussein and the entire world that the United States insists on unrestricted inspections, an abbreviated and absolute inspection timetable, strict standards of verification and accountability, and disarmament by any appropriate means at the proper time. Under this substitute, failure to accomplish these goals under U.N. auspices would have resulted in a vote in the U.S. Congress on whether to proceed unilaterally. This approach was the superior, more reasoned choice ..... both in responsibly protecting the American people and remaining faithful to Congress' Constitutional duties.
Mr. Speaker, it has been said that a smart man wins a war, a wise man avoids a war. Today Congress did not act wisely.
Source: Congressional Record for October 10, 2002