Arlen Specter: “I sought recognition to introduce a joint resolution on behalf of Senator Harkin and myself calling upon the Congress to…”

“I sought recognition to introduce a joint resolution on behalf of Senator Harkin and myself calling upon the Congress to consider, vote on, and enact a joint resolution authorizing the use of force by the U.S. Armed Forces against Iraq before such force is used. This resolution takes no position as to whether the use of force should be authorized or it should not be authorized, but goes to the essential authority of the Congress under the Constitution to declare war. The President's powers as Commander in Chief are reserved for an emergency where Congress does not have an opportunity to deliberate and decide. It is obvious that concerning the current situation with Iraq, there is ample time for a resolution of the issue by the Congress. There have been repeated statements by the administration relating to military action against Saddam Hussein. It is known that Saddam has weapons of mass destruction, such as chemicals which he used against the Kurds, and there exists evidence of biological weapons that he possesses. The best thinking is Saddam does not now have nuclear bombs but is trying to acquire them.”