• Military

• WMD Menu                           

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

17 December 1998

TEXT: HOUSE SUPPORTS TROOPS CONDUCTING STRIKES ON IRAQ

(Resolution approved by legislators December 17) (370)
Washington -- The House of Representatives has overwhelmingly voted
its strong support for U.S. military personnel carrying out ongoing
strikes on Iraq and reaffirmed that U.S. policy should be aimed at
removing Saddam Hussein from power.
The vote December 17, just a day after President Clinton ordered the
strikes, was 417 to 5, with one member voting "present."
The only "no" votes were cast by Democrats Barbara Lee of California,
Cynthia McKinney of Georgia, and John Conyers of Michigan, and
Republicans Mark Sanford of South Carolina and Ron Paul of Texas.
Congress is normally in recess at this time of year. But members were
in Washington December 17 -- and thus able to take up the resolution
-- because of the special session that had been called for that day to
consider impeachment action against President Clinton.
The crisis in the Gulf temporarily put off consideration of that
matter.
The text of the House resolution follows:
(begin text)
"Whereas the President of the United States has ordered military
action against Iraq in response to its refusal to comply with
international obligations under United Nations Security Council
resolutions;
"Whereas up to 24,000 men and women of the United States Armed Forces
are presently involved in operations in and around the Persian Gulf
region with the active participation of British Armed Forces and the
support of allies in the region;
"Whereas additional United States Armed Forces are being deployed to
the region;
"Whereas Congress and the American people have the greatest pride in
the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and strongly
support them in their efforts.
"Now, therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives that:
"a) the Congress unequivocally supports the men and women of our armed
forces who are carrying out their missions with professionalism,
dedication, patriotism, and courage;
"b) the Congress reaffirms that it should be the policy of the United
States to support efforts to remove the regime headed by Saddam
Hussein from power in Iraq and to promote the emergence of a
democratic government to replace that regime."
(end text)