Angie Craig: “Saddam Hussein's movement into northern Iraq was yet another direct threat to U.S. national interest: to maintain…”

“Saddam Hussein's movement into northern Iraq was yet another direct threat to U.S. national interest: to maintain security and stability in the Middle East. American cruise missiles have struck various Iraqi military installations with the purpose of deterring Iraq from further violence against the Kurds and to take out air-defense systems that posed a danger to our air patrols. I support the President as our Commander in Chief and his decision to attack Saddam Hussein's military installations to provide greater protection for our personnel enforcing the current and expanded no-fly zone. I stand 100 percent behind the brave men and women in our Armed Forces. Therefore, I support the resolution we are voting on this evening which condemns Saddam Hussein's actions and expresses support for our troops and the President's efforts to curb further actions by Iraq. It is my understanding that after intelligence reports disclosed the Iraqi military buildup, clear warnings were sent that he should not use any military force--warnings that were not heeded. Mr. President, Saddam Hussein's actions and our response didn't come out of the blue. They are an extension of ongoing efforts to enforce the restraints placed on Iraq at the end of the Gulf war. Therefore, while the use of force should always be a last resort tool of foreign policy, the reckless and aggressive pattern of actions Hussein has carried out, required the only warning he would respond to: force.”