Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=9/05/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=CONGRESS/IRAQ (L-O)

NUMBER=2-293747

BYLINE=DAN ROBINSON

DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Lawmakers from both Houses of Congress are holding more consultations with Bush administration officials on Iraq. V-O-A's Dan Robinson reports from Capitol Hill, legislators plan more hearings, as the debate over possible military action against Iraq heats up:

TEXT: In another sign the administration is working hard to win the fullest possible congressional support, Vice President Dick Cheney returned to Capitol Hill Thursday to meet lawmakers.

Mr. Cheney met with the majority and minority leaders in the Senate and House. C-I-A Director George Tenet also took part in briefings for the congressional leadership.

Earlier, 25 Senators went to the Pentagon for briefings a defense spokesperson said focused primarily weapons of mass destruction. Mr. Cheney and C-I-A- Director Tenet also attended those discussions.

Congress held a number of hearings on Iraq before the August summer recess. But several key congressional panels are gearing up for new hearings, now that President Bush has signaled his intention to take some sort of action.

The House International Relations committee may begin its hearings as early as the middle of this month, with others to follow.

For now, lawmakers are gathering what information they can in advance of President Bush's speech September 12th to the United Nations, in which he is expected to present a more detailed case against Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

President Bush is under bi-partisan pressure to fully involve Congress in any decision. Many lawmakers are flatly opposed to a military strike on Iraq. Lloyd Doggett is a Democrat from Texas:

/// DOGGETT ACT ///

It is unprecedented in American history, it is unprecedented in ignoring the warnings of military experts, unprecedented in rejecting the advice of our allies, and most importantly unprecedented in ignoring the dangers posed to the safety of American families everywhere.

/// END ACT ///

Democrats are not alone in urging caution. Here is Republican Texas Congressman Ron Paul:

/// PAUL ACT ///

I rise to ask the Congress to think twice before thrusting this nation into a war without merit, one fraught with danger of escalating into something no American will be pleased with.

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But others, such as South Carolina Republican Joe Wilson, disagree:

/// WILSON ACT ///

America's been attacked, we're under threat, this is not a speculation as to the future, it has occurred and will occur again if we don't take action to defend our civilian citizens.

/// END ACT ///

House and Senate leaders say a congressional vote on a possible war resolution would have to come well before November when mid-term elections take place.

But House Republican leaders are quoted as telling members to expect a vote before October fourth when Congress is scheduled to adjourn to prepare for those elections. (signed)

NEB/DAR/MAR