Rob Portman: “Mr. Speaker, as Members of Congress we face no more important issues than those of war and peace, and for that reason I…”

“Mr. Speaker, as Members of Congress we face no more important issues than those of war and peace, and for that reason I agree wholeheartedly with my colleague from Ohio (Mrs. Jones) who just spoke that this must be a vote of Congress. For that reason this extended debate on the House floor is very appropriate and the views expressed by Members of Congress are deserving of respect. Having read it closely, my view is that the carefully crafted resolution before us is the right approach. On Monday in my hometown of Cincinnati, the President of the United States clearly explained to the country what is at stake. He not only made the case that inaction is not an option, but that given the dangers and defiance of the Iraqi regime, the threat of military action must be an available option. Time and time again, Saddam Hussein has proven to be a threat to the peace and security of the region. That is why the international community through the United Nations has repeatedly called on the Iraqi regime to keep its word and open all facilities to weapons inspections. Yet repeatedly Iraq has refused, defying the United Nations. There is no reason to believe that without the threat of force, the disarmament the Iraqi regime agreed to as part of the disarmament after the Gulf War more than 10 years ago will ever occur.”