Thomas Daschle: “today the Senate is expressing its gratitude to the nations of the world that support the U.S. determination to remove…”

“today the Senate is expressing its gratitude to the nations of the world that support the U.S. determination to remove Saddam Hussein from power and eliminate his regime's weapons of mass destruction. I wholeheartedly endorse this resolution and the message it sends to the world about so many nations' view of Saddam Hussein's regime and about the resolve and bravery of the men and women who have stepped in harm's way to remove the threat he poses to international peace and basic human decency. According to press reports, thousands of additional United States troops have entered Iraq over the last day or so. At the same time, tens of thousands of their comrades continue their relentless and courageous march to Baghdad, making all Americans proud as they battle extreme conditions and irregular--even illegal--tactics by the enemy. Each day, our admiration of these troops and their performance grows. Unfortunately, as well as our troops have performed, much more fighting apparently lies ahead. Earlier this week, Secretary Rumsfeld declared that we are closer to the beginning than the end of this conflict. And press accounts indicate many in the military believe the conditions in which they will be fighting could get even more difficult. Administration reports suggest that the closer our troops get to Baghdad, the greater the risk that Iraq will resort to chemical or biological weapons.”