Jim Ramstad: “Mr. Speaker, decisions involving war and peace are by far the most difficult and agonizing as they potentially involve…”

“Mr. Speaker, decisions involving war and peace are by far the most difficult and agonizing as they potentially involve putting America's sons and daughters in harm's way. That is why I focused heavily on the Iraq resolution for weeks, attending every possible briefing from the CIA, National Security Council, Joint Chiefs, and the State Department. I have examined the classified data made available by our intelligence officials. I have also listened to the people of Minnesota. I realize there are people of goodwill and good conscience who will disagree with my conclusion. My fundamental principles approaching this resolution are several: First, the highest responsibility of the Federal Government is to keep the American people safe. Second, the greatest danger to our national security is terrorists with weapons of mass destruction. Third, diplomacy should always be exhausted and proven unworkable prior to the use of force. Fourth, war should always be the last option. Consistent with these beliefs, my oath of office, and my conscience, and based on all of the briefings and classified data I have seen, I have decided to vote for this bipartisan resolution for several reasons. First, Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction and links to terrorists pose a clear and present danger to our national security.”