Wilson Co-Sponsors President’s Iraq Resolution

Today, Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) announced he has co-sponsored President Bush's Iraq resolution, H.J. Res. 114 The Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against Iraq, which will be debated and voted on in the House of Representatives this week."This is a bipartisan resolution that gives the President the flexibility and authority he needs to protect the American people from the threat of Saddam Hussein," said Rep. Wilson. "This allows Congress to send a clear and strong message that America will not allow a brutal dictator to threaten our nation and our allies with weapons of mass destruction in complete disregard of international resolutions."Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL) introduced the resolution in the House along with the support of Minority Leader Richard Gephardt (D-MO). It expresses support for the President's efforts to strictly enforce all U.N. Security Council resolutions applicable to Iraq and obtain prompt and decisive action by the Security Council to ensure that Iraq abandons its strategy of delay, evasion, and noncompliance and promptly and strictly complies with all relevant Security Council resolutions.The portion that authorizes the use of force if proven necessary, also requires a timely "presidential determination" that all means short of war have been exhausted, and that acting pursuant to this authorization is consistent with ongoing activities in the war against terrorism. Finally, this Resolution contains reporting requirements to ensure that Congress and the American people are fully apprised on all matters relevant to this Resolution, and that both are full partners in any effort to rid the United States of the Iraqi threat."Since September 11th, we realize that we can no longer allow serious threats to go unchecked. This resolution serves as a warning to Iraq that it must immediately disarm and cease sponsorship of terrorism or face action by the United States and our allies. America will not live in fear, it will respond to these threats to preserve freedom and liberty for generations to come," said Rep. Wilson.###