On the recordOctober 8, 2002
Madam Speaker, the President has asked the Congress for the authority to use force against Iraq. This week the Congress will consider a resolution giving him that authority. I will be voting in favor of the Joint Resolution. There is a very high standard and a narrow set of circumstances that would cause me to vote to authorize the use of force other than in self-defense against an armed attack against the United States or its allies. Over the last month, I have listened to briefings and testimony, reviewed evidence, read reports and sought out independent experts to ask questions about Iraq and its nuclear, chemical and biological weapons program. I believe that, if left unchecked, it is likely that Saddam Hussein will cause these weapons to be used against the American people. The effect of such an attack would be devastating.
Source
govinfo.gov
