Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=10-1-02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=CONGRESS IRAQ (L-ONITER)

NUMBER=2-294744

BYLINE=DEBORAH TATE

DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL

CONTENT=

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INTRO: Members of the U-S Congress continue to work with the White House on a resolution authorizing President Bush to use force against Iraq. The U-S Senate is expected to begin debate on the issue Wednesday. Correspondent Deborah Tate reports from Capitol Hill.

TEXT: Congressional leaders of both parties are to meet with President Bush at the White House Wednesday morning, when they believe they will reach agreement on the text of a resolution.

Senator Christopher Bond, a Missouri Republican, suggested in comments on the Senate floor Tuesday that some progress had already been made.

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I believe we have made reasonable accommodation in the resolution the President has recommended.

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Earlier Tuesday, President Bush said he opposed a compromise resolution offered by Republican Senator Richard Lugar of Indiana and Democratic Senator Joe Biden of Delaware.

That resolution aimed at attracting more support from congressional Democrats would limit use of force only to making Iraq disarm. It would not mention language contained in Mr. Bush's proposed resolution that demands Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein stop supporting terrorists, abusing ethnic minorities and threatening his neighbors.

Mr. Bush said he could not accept the compromise resolution, saying as he put it that it would tie his hands.

But he expressed confidence the issue could be resolved:

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We will work with the members. I am confident we can get something done, and we will be speaking with one voice here in the country.

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The House is expected to take up the resolution next week. Both chambers are expected to approve a resolution by the end of next week. (Signed)

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