Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=03/17/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=CONGRESS / WAR CONCERNS (L)

NUMBER=2-300824

BYLINE=DAN ROBINSON

DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

/// EDS: CAN BE USED OVERNIGHT IN ADDITION TO OTHER BUSH/IRAQ REACT ///

INTRO: Members of Congress met with President Bush shortly before his televised address (late Monday) on Iraq. The meeting came as Democrats and Republicans engaged in a heated debate about the potential cost of a war. This report from Dan Robinson on Capitol Hill:

TEXT: Lawmakers have been waiting weeks for the president to send a new request for additional money to pay for a war to disarm Iraq.

That was one of the subjects of Mr. Bush's meeting with Democratic and Republican leaders of the House and Senate who would have to approve the funds.

But in the hours before the president spoke on television, Democrats continued to criticize what they call the administration's foot-dragging on getting the request to Congress. Here is (Democratic) Senator Patty Murray:

/// MURRAY ACT ///

The cost of winning this war, and winning the peace afterward, are not reflected anywhere in this budget. That is irresponsible. That is burying our head in the sand, as the danger approaches.

/// END ACT ///

The top Democrat in the Senate, Tom Daschle, echoed criticism on the cost of the war, and had some harsh words for the president:

/// DASCHLE ACT ///

I am saddened, saddened that this President failed so miserably at diplomacy that we're now forced to war. Saddened that we have to give up one life because this president couldn't create the kind of diplomatic effort that was so critical for our country.

/// END ACT ///

Republican Senator Jeff Sessions, a member of the Armed Services Committee, responded angrily to Mr. Daschle and other Democratic critics, recalling that Congress, and at that time a Democrat-controlled Senate -- authorized the use of force last October:

/// SESSIONS ACT ///

We have a quarter of a million troops in the Iraq region, and they're prepared to put their lives at stake for us. And I don't think there ought to be the slightest suggestion, in any way, that we're not going to honor that commitment.

/// END ACT ///

/// OPT /// Earlier, another Democrat, Senator Carl Levin, expressed concern not only about the cost of the war, but about the possible repercussions:

/// LEVIN ACT ///

The issue is not whether we will prevail militarily without U-N support. We will. The issue is whether our long-term security will be enhanced in that circumstance, or whether chaos and instability in the Middle East, following our unilateral action, will be deep, and long, and more costly.

/// END ACT ///

However, Mr. Levin said that even those who questioned the administration approach on Iraq will fully support U-S troops facing the task of dis-arming Iraq and ousting Saddam Hussein. /// END OPT ///

Various estimates put initial costs of the war in Iraq at between 65 and 95 billion dollars. The administration is not expected to send Congress that supplemental war budget request until shortly after a U-S-led attack begins. (signed)

NEB/DAR/KBK