Herb Kohl: “Today the Senate has taken a somber step toward a new kind of war. Congress has resolved that military force may be…”

“Today the Senate has taken a somber step toward a new kind of war. Congress has resolved that military force may be necessary to end the scourge of terrorism. Today we took a solemn vow that we will strike back at those who have killed thousands of American citizens. Those responsible for the attack on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the crash of an airliner in Pennsylvania will now face the full fury and capability of this great Nation. But the United States will not react blindly. We do not want revenge, we want justice and security. We act today to defend America and punish our enemies. Unnecessary violence will do nothing to erase the losses suffered by the American people. Part of what we are fighting to protect, is the Constitution and the role of Congress in a crisis. This resolution faithfully and responsibly executes our duty under the Constitution. We have not ceded our power to the President, Congress remains a co-equal branch and a partner with the President in this struggle. We stand together in this Chamber and with the President. Shoulder to shoulder we are prepared to do whatever is necessary to restore peace and security to the land. Our will is resolute, our hearts are steadfast, and our minds are fixed. We will not rest until the task before us is complete.”