Jim Matheson: “this debate is occurring at an auspicious anniversary in our Nation's history. Forty years ago this month, our Nation…”

“this debate is occurring at an auspicious anniversary in our Nation's history. Forty years ago this month, our Nation stood at the brink of nuclear annihilation. Offensive nuclear weapons were being placed 90 miles from Miami. A dictator stood ready to launch a missile strike against this Nation. And the United States, while supported by the world community, stood alone in confronting the menace. Mr. Speaker, there are ominous parallels to the missiles of October 1962 and the Iraqi threat of 2002. While we debate this resolution, I believe it is illuminating to go remember what President Kennedy faced 40 Octobers ago. President Kennedy did not want to go to war. He knew what war meant. But he also knew the dangers of inaction far outweighed the risk of action. We are faced with a similar situation today. A tyrant is building a nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons capability designed only for offensive use. The threat is real, and inaction on our part today will put us at greater risk tomorrow.”