Members of the U.S. House of Representatives voted 296-133 in favor of the measure, with 215 Republicans and 81 Democrats in support. The U.S. Senate is expected to vote on the measure late Thursday or Friday.

Ehlers, R-Grand Rapids, said he spent the last two months carefully considering the issue with an open mind.

“I’ve discussed it with my constituents and colleagues, I’ve written President Bush, I’ve received briefings from high-level officials at the White House and the Pentagon and I’ve read about Iraq and Saddam Hussein,” Ehlers said. “After many days and weeks of thoughtful and prayerful consideration, I have concluded that not taking action against Saddam Hussein is more dangerous than taking action.”

Ehlers said he believes President Bush and his advisers will seek all peaceful means of dealing with Saddam Hussein, including United Nations inspections, before ordering military intervention. But the congressman said passing this resolution gives the Administration the tools it needs to deal with Iraq and ensure the safety of the U.S.

“Passage of this resolution does not mean that we will be going to war with Iraq tomorrow, next week or even next month,” Ehlers said. “It does not require that the U.S. go to war at all. But it sends a signal to Saddam Hussein that we are serious about requiring him to live up to his promises to cease weapons development, destroy his existing weaponry, end his human rights abuses and provide United Nations weapons inspectors free, unfettered access throughout the country.”

Ehlers stressed that the vote is not one that he or other members of Congress took lightly.

“Casting a vote over whether to authorize military action may be the most difficult decision a member of Congress is asked to make,” he said. “It certainly was for me.”