Harry Reid: “in debating this resolution on which we spent so much time and so much thought, we are making one of the most important…”

“in debating this resolution on which we spent so much time and so much thought, we are making one of the most important decisions we have ever faced. The decision to send American troops into battle is not one we take lightly and I don't take lightly. There is much at stake for this Nation. There is much at stake for the State of Nevada. Thousands of men and women in Nevada would undoubtedly be called to support or directly serve in a military conflict with Iraq. Our pilots from Fallon Naval Air Station and Nellis Air Force Base are considered the best aviators in the world. I know they would be asked to play a leading role in eliminating the threat posed by Saddam Hussein. I am personally very grateful for the contributions that would be made by the National Guard and Reserve forces not only from Nevada but from across our country. These heroic citizen soldiers are such an integral part of the American military. We simply could not succeed without them. We must be mindful that their sacrifices are great because they leave their families and civilian occupations behind and become citizen soldiers. They serve proudly on behalf of our Nation. When called upon, they do not complain. They did not question the need to act. They did not ask why. However, we must explain that these brave men and women are the reason for making this life-and-death decision. Therefore, I rise today to explain to one man why I intend to vote and how I intend to vote.”