Roy Blunt: “Aflatoxin, a biological weapon that has no battlefield use, something I only recently read about, as it has become…”

“Aflatoxin, a biological weapon that has no battlefield use, something I only recently read about, as it has become apparent that this weapon has been designed and put on missiles able to be delivered by Saddam Hussein, no battlefield use, no military advantage. Somebody has written it could keep a lieutenant from becoming a general, but otherwise has no effect on the battlefield that day. It is designed to end life, it is designed to end life in a slow and painful way. The greatest target of aflatoxin are children, children who, many of whom, would eventually die from liver cancer if this particular weapon is used. In so many ways it sums up Saddam Hussein. Other countries have developed weapons of mass destruction, but only one person in charge of a government today has ever used these weapons. He has used them against his own people. He has used them against a neighboring country. Saddam has stepped beyond the bounds of civilized nations. I am convinced, Mr. Speaker, that the President will use the authority of this resolution after exhausting all reasonable alternatives. For too long, Saddam Hussein has terrorized his own people. For too long, Saddam Hussein has encouraged international terrorism. For too long, Saddam Hussein has defied the international community. For too long, Saddam Hussein has ignored his agreements with other nations and with the United Nations. The United States did not seek the decision we have before us today.”