News from Congresswoman Jane Harman

Congresswoman Jane harman - Press Release

October 2, 2002

Harman Backs Bi-Partisan Resolution On Iraq

WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-Redondo Beach) joined President Bush, House Minority Leader Gephardt, Majority Leader Hastert and other members of Congress to announce bi-partisan support for a newly drafted Joint Resolution.

The resolution instructs the U.S. to work multilaterally to disarm Iraq and enforce compliance with U.N. resolutions. As a last resort, it authorizes the use of U.S. military force against Iraq. Following the event, Congresswoman Harman issued the following statement:

“Over the past weeks, I have consulted with people from across my Congressional District on U.S. policy toward Iraq.

In the Rose Garden, President Bush along with bipartisan leaders from the House and Senate (Congresswoman Harman left of President) announced the Joint Resolution to authorize the use of the United States Armed Forces against Iraq. White House photo by Paul Morse

Many concerns and questions have been raised. I have taken all comments to heart as I have weighed the difficult decision on authorizing the use of force in Iraq.

Today, new resolution language was agreed upon by House Leaders Gephardt and Hastert and President Bush. I commend these leaders for working out a solid compromise. This new resolution addresses many of my constituents’ concerns, while also allowing us to address the clear and present threat posed by Saddam Hussein. I will support it.

The resolution addresses concerns raised by South Bay residents in the following ways:

First, it urges the President to work peacefully and diplomatically to ensure Iraq complies with sixteen existing U.N. Security Council Resolutions and ends its possession and development of weapons of mass destruction.

Second, it urges the President to ensure that any action taken in Iraq does not dilute resources from the war on terrorism. This has been a critical concern of mine as I continue to work on the Intelligence Committee’s Joint Inquiry into the September 11th attacks.

Finally, it requires the President to comply with the War Powers Act and to report to Congress within 48 hours of implementing military action and regularly thereafter, including the details of plans for post-war reconstruction in Iraq.

As we carefully proceed, it is critical that we continue to focus on other key priorities. We must win the war against al Qaeda, continue to strengthen homeland security, and provide economic security for the South Bay and the nation.

In the remaining days of the 107th Congress, I will work tirelessly to make sure that we do not lose sight of these commitments. I am working closely with allies in the House, Senate and White House to pass the Homeland Security Department legislation to implement a much-needed national strategy to protect our communities from terrorist attacks before Congress adjourns.”

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