Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=3-20-03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=CONGRESS IRAQ (L)

NUMBER=2-300993

BYLINE=DEBORAH TATE

DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: U-S Congressional Democrats, who have been divided over Bush administration policy toward Iraq, are standing unified in support of U-S troops taking part in the military operation to disarm Iraq. The Senate is expected to pass a resolution expressing its support for the troops later. Correspondent Deborah Tate reports from Capitol Hill

TEXT: Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle, who angered Republican lawmakers by criticizing President Bush's diplomatic efforts on Iraq, offered steadfast support for U-S troops engaged in the mission to disarm Iraq.

/// DASCHLE ACT ///

The Congress has always come together for one purpose, to support the efforts of our troops and pray for their courage, their success, and their safe and quick return home. With pride and resolve we do so today.

/// END ACT ///

House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi, who unlike Mr. Daschle did not back a resolution last year authorizing the President to use force to disarm Iraq, echoed the Senator's comments:

/// PELOSI ACT ///

As Americans we stand by our men and women in uniform and their commander, our commander in chief.

/// END ACT ///

Meanwhile on the Senate floor, lawmakers sparred over legislative priorities, now that military action against Irq has begun.

The Senate is debating President Bush's budget proposal for next year. But the ranking Democrat on the budget committee, Senator Kent Conrad of North Dakota, said lawmakers should be focused on the war.

/// CONRAD AC ///

I think it is inappropriate really to proceed with business as usual when a war has begun. I think it sends the wrong message to the country. It is not what the Senate should be doing.

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Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist disagreed:

/// FRIST ACT ///

To walk away from that responsibility at this point is simply irresponsible. That is why as Majority Leader, (I say) we are going to stay here, and we are going to do the nation's business. That is our responsibility, and you will see that fulfilled.

/// END ACT ///

Some Democrats renewed the criticism of the President's budget for not including funding to pay for the military action against Iraq.

President Bush is expected to send Congress a supplemental funding request for the war in the coming days. (SIGNED)

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