Maxwell Frost: “today we debate the gravest and most important matter that ever comes before the Congress, the use of military force.…”

“today we debate the gravest and most important matter that ever comes before the Congress, the use of military force. Mr. Speaker, the cowardly, barbaric attack of September 11 was an assault on America, on humanity and on the civilized world. It was the cold-blooded calculated murder of untold thousands of innocent Americans. It was nothing less than evil, plain and simple. Mr. Speaker, September 11 changed much about America and the world, but I am proud to say that it has not perverted our democratic system. That is because the Congress and the President, as coequal branches of government, have worked together, consulting closely throughout the process. As a result, we have agreed to this resolution. So we speak with one voice tonight, Mr. Speaker, and the House will overwhelmingly vote to authorize the President to use military force to respond to the terrorist acts of September 11. Mr. Speaker, the United States is united in its commitment to bringing to justice those who perpetrated this assault on our people. But make no mistake, this campaign may be long and it may be difficult. As we take this action tonight, let us pray for the men and women of our armed services as they undertake this assignment for our Nation.”