Gerald Kleczka: “I rise to support the men and women of our military participating in Operation Desert Fox. Their willingness to risk…”

“I rise to support the men and women of our military participating in Operation Desert Fox. Their willingness to risk their lives defending our Constitution and freedom is the highest form of patriotism. Saddam Hussein has stood in the way of allowing the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) to conduct their inspections that were mandated in the 1991 cease-fire one-too-many times. He has continued to break promises and put the people of Iraq in harm's way. On November 14, Saddam was given his last chance to resume full cooperation as a condition of the 1991 cease-fire. Nonetheless, Iraq has blocked the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) from inspecting suspect sites and restricted its ability to obtain necessary evidence. Iraq has failed to cooperate. His actions have jeopardized the security and stability of the Persian Gulf that our troops fought so hard for in 1991. This is simply unacceptable. Saddam has now run out of chances. The President is completely justified in his use of force.”