Rob Portman, October 14, 2002

WASHINGTON, DC -- Of the many issues debated by Congress, none is more important than those involving war and peace. Congress recently had to confront these issues when both the House and Senate debated resolutions authorizing the President to use military force if necessary to confront the continued threat of Saddam Hussein’s regime in Iraq. The resolution passed by more than a 2/3rds majority in both houses. This was not an easy decision for any of us, but I believe Congress did the right thing.

In the aftermath of September 11th, our nation had to confront some difficult realities about the threat of terrorism. Our response -- the war on terrorism -- began against Al Qaeda and the Taliban, but by no means can it end there. As President Bush said in his address before Congress almost a year ago, "From this day forward, any nation that continues to harbor or support terrorism will be regarded by the United States as a hostile regime."

There is no question that the Iraqi regime represents a threat to our nation. In his recent speech in Cincinnati, President Bush explained clearly why inaction is not an option, and why the threat of military action must be an available option. Time and again, Saddam Hussein has proven to be a threat to the peace and security of the region. That is why the international community, through the United Nations, has repeatedly called on the Iraqi regime to open all facilities to weapons inspectors. Yet, repeatedly, Iraq has refused. There is no reason to believe that without the threat of force, the free and unfettered access that the Iraqi regime agreed to as part of the cease-fire after the Gulf War more than ten years ago will ever occur.

The Iraqi regime does pose a growing danger and risk to our nation and all freedom-loving people. We know that the Iraqi regime is producing and stockpiling chemical and biological weapons. And we know that they are in the process of obtaining a nuclear weapon. We also know that this regime has a consistent record of aggression, and of supporting terrorist activities. Once the Iraqi regime possesses a nuclear weapon, it or the technology that created it could be passed along to a terrorist organization. Already, chemical and biological weapons could be provided. We cannot permit this to happen.

The resolution passed by Congress will authorize military action, but only if it is necessary. Everyone hopes that it won’t be. But the choice is clear, and it is a choice for the Iraqi regime to make. If the regime refuses to disarm, we and our coalition partners will be forced to make a stand for freedom and security against tyranny and terrorism. And, if we must take this course, it will not be unilateral. The President continues to try to work through the United Nations, and has already assembled an impressive array of coalition partners. These other nations -- including Great Britain, Australia, Turkey and Japan -- will be with us regardless of the decision of the U.N. Security Council.

The most difficult part of passing a resolution such as this is the realization that it may put at risk the lives of young men and women in uniform. But I believe that not authorizing the possible use of force would put even more innocent American lives at risk.

The Iraqi regime cannot be allowed to possess and develop weapons of mass destruction, and I am hopeful that this strong message from the United States Congress will result in the regime changing course.

Rob Portman Congress represents Ohio's Second Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.