Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=10/02/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=CONGRESS / IRAQ (L)

NUMBER=2-294782

BYLINE=DAN ROBINSON

DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: U-S Congressional leaders say they hope to move quickly to debate and approve a resolution authorizing President Bush to undertake military action against Iraq. V-O-A's Dan Robinson reports on what is likely to happen now that the White House and Congress are speaking with one voice on Iraq:

TEXT: Congressional leaders will begin to move the resolution through the House and Senate this week, with the aim of voting by next week.

It authorizes President Bush to use military force to defend against threats posed by Iraq, and enforce all relevant U-N Security Council Resolutions.

It also requires a presidential report to Congress before any military strike, if feasible, or within 48 hours of a U-S attack that diplomatic and other peaceful means failed.

In the House, lawmakers are taking steps to ensure everyone has the opportunity to debate the text.

The House International Relations Committee has begin hearings on the matter. Its chairman, Republican Henry Hyde, says it will be open to amendments, but he predicts there will be few changes in the end.

House and Senate Democrats and Republicans gathered at the White House with President Bush to underscore their support. House minority leader Dick Gephardt said lawmakers should put politics aside as they move toward a vote:

/// GEPHARDT ACT ///

This is the most important thing that we do. This should not be about politics. We have to do what is right for the security of our nation and the safety of all Americans.

/// END ACT ///

Democratic Senator Joseph Lieberman and Republican Senator John McCain predicted the resolution will win bipartisan approval in both houses of Congress:

/// LIEBERMAN / MCCAIN ACT ///

(LIEBERMAN): In the end this resolution will pass in the Senate with a very large bipartisan majority, and that today is the best hope for a stronger America, and for a life for the American people that is safer.

(MCCAIN): I am convinced that a overwhelming, significant majority of both houses of Congress, speaking for their constituents, will provide the President of the United States with the endorsement and support he needs if necessary, as a last resort, to preserve America's security by a regime change in Iraq.

/// END ACT ///

In the Senate, lawmakers who were pushing an alternative resolution that would have placed stricter limits on the President's authority to use military force now acknowledge their version has little chance of passage. (signed)

NEB/DAR/KBK