FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OCTOBER 10, 2002
CONTACT: LINDA MACIAS/PAUL TODD (202) 225-6161

Baca Votes for Authorizing Military Action in Iraq Only with UN Approval

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Joe Baca (D-Rialto) today voted in favor of an amendment to H.J.Res. 114 that would require the President to work for a peaceful resolution to the conflict with Iraq through the United Nations before he could take unilateral military action in the Middle East. The amendment would have replaced the language of H.J.Res. 114, which was submitted by President George W. Bush and agreed to by House and Senate Leaders. The resolution authorizes the President to take military action against Iraq with or without United Nations approval.

"Before we send them to war, I want to make sure that our troops are fully equipped and properly trained to deal with whatever Saddam Hussein could throw at them," Baca said. "I think we need to take the time to work with the United Nations to find a diplomatic resolution and in the meantime begin making sure our troops have the equipment and training they need to face any danger."

Congressman Spratt's amendment would have required the President to gain United Nations Security Council approval before an armed incursion against Iraq could be undertaken. It would have required that unilateral military action be undertaken only after a vote of the Congress approving such action.

The President's resolution only requires the President to report to Congress that he has sought United Nations support, but allows the United States to act alone at any time, and only requires the President to notify Congress that military action has or will be taken. The notice could come even after an attack has already begun.

The Spratt amendment failed by a vote of 270-155. The President's resolution passed by a vote of 296-133. The following is Baca's floor statement regarding his support of the amendment and his opposition to the President's final resolution:

"Mr. Speaker, I come before this chamber with a heavy heart because I know that I am making one of the most difficult decisions of my life. Like my colleagues in Congress, and every American, I have debated whether unilateral military action in Iraq is the best thing to do. I have carefully weighed and considered all options, and I pray to God that I am making the right decision."

"I have not been able to sleep. I think about the mothers and fathers I have met who have asked me: How long will this war last? How many lives will be lost? How many of their children will be drafted? How many of their children will come back disfigured, with cancer or mental illness? I think about our many sons and daughters that will be affected by our decision, and I wonder how many will not make it home to their parents. I think about the many veterans that have already served our nation, but who still do not have access to the benefits that our country has promised them. I think about the innocent Iraqi children who will be caught in the crossfire. I think about how this war could make us more suspicious of others based on the color of their skin."

"I have talked to the Bishop, clergy, community leaders, and all my constituents who have written and voiced their concerns about the war. Is the price we will pay in lives worth the security we might gain by eliminating only one of countless threats? In our nation's history, we have never fired the first shot. So, why now?"

"One thing is clear: we must exhaust every alternative before we send our sons and daughters into harms way. We all want to keep our families and our nation safe from terrorists and weapons of mass destruction. But I also want to make sure that I can look into my grandchildren's eyes and tell them that we have done everything we can to avoid war. War should always be a last resort, not a first option."

"And I do not believe the President has made the case to the American people that NOW is the best time or that unilateral action is our best option. That is why I will vote in favor of the Spratt substitute. The Spratt substitute supports the President's proposal for intrusive weapons inspections and still gives the President the power to use our military if Iraq refuses to comply."

"Let me be clear. I support the President in his effort to protect and defend this nation, but we must do so with the support of the United Nations and the international community. The Spratt amendment says that the President has to get congressional approval before he unilaterally invades Iraq. Doesn't that make sense? Shouldn't the President come to Congress before he leads this nation into war? That is what our Constitution demands."

"Like the rest of the nation, I am concerned that Saddam Hussein could transfer weapons of mass destruction to terrorist organizations. But we must not act in haste and not without the support of the United Nations and the world community. That is why I reluctantly vote against H.J. Res. 114."

"Mr. Speaker, I want to make one thing clear. Do not confuse my vote against the resolution as a vote against our troops. As a veteran, a Congressman, and a patriotic American, I stand 100 percent behind our troops. I remember how our brave men and women were treated when they returned home from Vietnam. They were treated with scorn and hate. We must not repeat our mistakes of the past. Regardless of what we think of the war, we must all support our soldiers."

"And we should protect their lives by winning the support of our allies. Acting alone would increase our economic burden and leave us with few resources to rebuild Iraq. It would raise questions about the legitimacy of our actions in the eyes of the world community. It would create more instability in the region and turn a mere threat into our worst nightmare."

"Mr. Speaker, has the Bush administration answered all of our questions?

What happens if we go to war and Saddam Hussein uses chemical or biological weapons against our troops? Our troops must have the equipment and resources they need to fight this war. We do not know what Saddam Hussein will throw at them. That is why we must provide them with all possible protection, treatment and benefits they need. When our children come back to us sick with cancer or horribly disfigured, we must not turn our backs on them or their families."

"What happens if there is regime change? We must make sure that a new Iraq is democratic and respects human rights. A post-Saddam Iraq must be seen as a beacon of hope by the Arab world, not a tool of American foreign policy."

What effect will this have on our war on terrorism? Would going to war with Iraq add fuel to the fire for terrorists?

What effect will this war have on our economy? The Bush administration is trying to paint a rosy picture of the state of our economy. But we have gone from record surpluses to a crippling deficit. My constituents are concerned about their savings, their jobs, their prescription drugs, their social security, and their schools. How is it that we can so easily afford a war? The President must not forget the economic problems that so many Americans face.

I am placing my trust, and our country is placing its trust, in the President to heed these concerns.

I know that the President's resolution will likely pass this body with little effort. I oppose it because more of our men and women will die if we go it alone. If we are true, honest, and committed, God will bless our efforts and the world will follow. I pray to God that I have made the right decision on behalf of our country.

I yield back the balance of my time.

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