Katie Porter: “let me thank the able and distinguished chairman the gentleman from New York [Mr. Gilman] for yielding me this time, but…”

“let me thank the able and distinguished chairman the gentleman from New York [Mr. Gilman] for yielding me this time, but more importantly, for bringing this very significant legislation to the floor today. In light of what is going on in Iraq at this moment, this could not be a more timely resolution. Once again, Saddam Hussein is showing his true colors as a ruthless dictator who will attempt to do anything to manipulate his way out of sanctions and weapons monitoring through whatever means he can. Mr. Speaker, I grew up in an era characterized, unfortunately, by ruthless dictators--Hitler, Mussolini and Stalin--individuals who committed crimes of unspeakable horror against their own people, against their minorities. And the regime in Iraq is identical to the types that were run in Nazi Germany, in Fascist Italy, and in Communist Soviet Union under Stalin. We must stop Saddam Hussein now. We must isolate him and make certain that the world understands the nature of his ruthless regime. We must make certain that Saddam Hussein and every one of his henchmen are indicted as war criminals and individuals who commit crimes against humanity. I am pleased to be an original cosponsor of this legislation to bring him to justice for the crimes he has committed against the Iraqi people and against the citizens of other countries whom he has harmed, including our own people.”