19 September 2001
Text: President Bush Signs Military Force Resolution
(Congress acted "wisely, decisively," Bush says) (550)
President Bush September 18 signed a joint congressional resolution
authorizing the use of military force in response to the September 11
terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.
In a statement released after signing Senate Joint Resolution 23, the
President said it is "necessary and appropriate" that the United
States protect and defend itself, both domestically and abroad.
"Our whole nation is unalterably committed to a direct, forceful, and
comprehensive response to these terrorist attacks and the scourge of
terrorism directed against the United States and its interests," Bush
said.
The president qualified his signing of the measure, entitled
"Authorization for Use of Military Force," by specifically noting that
he maintains the longstanding executive branch position favoring the
constitutional authority of the president to use force, and therefore
regarding the War Powers Resolution as unconstitutional. The latter
measure, passed in 1973 during U.S. involvement in Vietnam, limits the
president's authority to use military force in specific instances, and
requires congressional authorization to go further.
Below is the text of Bush's statement:
(begin text)
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
September 18, 2001
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
Today I am signing Senate Joint Resolution 23, the "Authorization for
Use of Military Force."
On September 11, 2001, terrorists committed treacherous and horrific
acts of violence against innocent Americans and individuals from other
countries. Civilized nations and people around the world have
expressed outrage at, and have unequivocally condemned, these attacks.
Those who plan, authorize, commit, or aid terrorist attacks against
the United States and its interests -- including those who harbor
terrorists -- threaten the national security of the United States. It
is, therefore, necessary and appropriate that the United States
exercise its rights to defend itself and protect United States
citizens both at home and abroad.
In adopting this resolution in response to the latest terrorist acts
committed against the United States and the continuing threat to the
United States and its citizens from terrorist activities, both Houses
of Congress have acted wisely, decisively, and in the finest
traditions of our country. I thank the leadership of both Houses for
their role in expeditiously passing this historic joint resolution. I
have had the benefit of meaningful consultations with members of the
Congress since the attacks of September 11, 2001, and I will continue
to consult closely with them as our Nation responds to this threat to
our peace and security.
Senate Joint Resolution 23 recognizes the seriousness of the terrorist
threat to our Nation and the authority of the President under the
Constitution to take action to deter and prevent acts of terrorism
against the United States. In signing this resolution, I maintain the
longstanding position of the executive branch regarding the
President's constitutional authority to use force, including the Armed
Forces of the United States and regarding the constitutionality of the
War Powers Resolution.
Our whole Nation is unalterably committed to a direct, forceful, and
comprehensive response to these terrorist attacks and the scourge of
terrorism directed against the United States and its interests.
GEORGE W. BUSH
THE WHITE HOUSE, September 18, 2001.
(end text)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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