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News from the Keweenaw Peninsula Posted October 10, 2002 Press release © 2002 U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Menominee)

Stupak addresses House on Iraq Resolutions

In his statement to the House, Stupak said, "Tomorrow (Thursday, Oct. 10) we will be voting on whether to commit our young men and women in the armed forces to a possible war with Iraq. It is extremely important for everyone to understand the gravity of this vote and the legal, ethical, and moral grounds for such a grave commitment of U.S. lives and resources."

Stupak added, "To date, I have received nearly 900 communications opposed to the United States acting unilaterally against Iraq and approximately 16 communications in support of the President's position. As always, I urged the residents of Michigan's First Congressional district to contact me and hundreds have. For this I am thankful."

After quoting President Bush's words to Congressional leaders concerning the role of the Congressional debate in the Iraq issue, Stupak stated his own view that war with another country should only be declared under these circumstances:

    (a) if a nation directly attacks your country;
    (b) if another nation is an accomplice in an attack on your country;
    (c) if there is an immediate, imminent pending attack on your country; and, 
    (d) finally, if there is defiance of the international community.

"To rush headlong into war without world support under any one of these four conditions violates every principle and ideal on which this great nation is founded and on which a free and democratic world can exist," Stupak said.

Stupak added several reasons for his opposition to a first-strike invasion of Iraq. He added he would vote for the Spratt/Moran substitute resolution.

"This resolution reflects the American values in seeking a U.N. resolution calling for 'beefed up' arms inspectors, backed by force, if necessary," Stupak explained. "This resolution also authorizes the use of our armed forces if the Iraqis prevent the inspectors from doing their job and the United Nations Security Council decides to reply with military force. In this situation, the resolution authorizes President Bush to use the United States military, as his father did in the Persian Gulf War, in a military action sanctioned by the Security Council.

"It is reported that the Security Council is close to approving such a resolution. If the U.N. Security Council approves such a resolution, there is no need for Congressional action.

"If, on the other hand, the Iraqis defy the weapon inspectors, and the Security Council fails to respond with force, the United States may be forced to go at it alone. In these dramatically different circumstances, the Spratt/Moran substitute calls for a second vote by Congress to approve a military attack, but ensures the President a 'fast track' for its consideration," Stupak said.

For the complete text of Rep. Stupak's address to the House, visit his Web site. To read the pdf file, Acrobat Reader can be downloaded for free from the Web site.

Editor's Note: For an update on the House of Representatives Floor Proceedings, visit the Web site of the Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives.

For more legislative information visit the Library of Congress Thomas Web site.

Citizens may contact Stupak's Washington office at (202) 225-4735 or email him at stupak@mail.house.gov. His Congressional Aide Amy Wisti may be reached in Houghton from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at (906) 482-1371.

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