Tom Lantos: “I wish to end my part in this great debate as I began in tribute to the patriotism of every Member of this body and with…”

“I wish to end my part in this great debate as I began in tribute to the patriotism of every Member of this body and with special thanks to my dear friend and distinguished counterpart on the Republican side, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), a combat veteran of World War II. Over the course of the last 2 days, my colleagues have expressed many different views, but all have affirmed their commitment to safeguard our national security, to pursue peace and to wage war only as a very last resort. The depth and dignity of the debate is worthy of this great subject and of our great democracy. At the outset, I wish to commend our Democratic leader, my good friend, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Gephardt). In the proud tradition of that great Republican Senator, Arthur Vanderberg, half a century ago, the gentleman from Missouri transcends parties and politics to craft and champion a bipartisan resolution that best serves the interest of our Nation. His leadership has been a true profile in courage. None deny the danger posed by Saddam Hussein. We differ only in the means of addressing this mounting threat; and in doing so, we grapple with two paradoxes. The first is the paradox of peace: Faced with an implacable and belligerent foe, how do we avert war? The answer, as our resolution affirms, lies not in disavowing the use of force, but in authorizing it.”