Thomas Daschle: “I joined with a majority of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to support the resolution granting that…”

“I joined with a majority of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to support the resolution granting that authority, but made clear then and continue to believe now that our vote was the first step in our effort to address the threat posed by Iraq's weapons of mass destruction. One of those challenges is preparing for what might happen in Iraq after Saddam Hussein and preparing the American people for what might be required of us on this score. To that end, I was interested to see an article in Friday morning's newspaper with the title, 'U.S. Has a Plan to Occupy Iraq, Officials Report.' Citing unnamed administration officials, the article contends the administration is modeling plans for the economic and political reconstruction of Iraq on the successful efforts in post-WWII Japan.”