September 6, 2002

Washington, D.C.- On Friday, I had the solemn duty of attending a memorial service in New York City at Ground Zero, the site of the World Trade Center. Members of Congress attended the wreath-laying ceremony after conducting a special joint meeting of Congress at Federal Hall in New York City, in a symbolic show of solidarity and support for the city and New Yorkers.

The somber wreath-laying ceremony was reminiscent of another ceremony of remembrance I attended in 1995. We were in Oklahoma City, trying to make sense of what was at that time the worst act of terrorism ever on American soil. Both days had so many similarities - heads bowed in prayer, grieving family members, the consecration to hollowed ground of what was formerly a busy business workspace, and the condolences of a nation.

These observances are an important part of the grieving process, and a way of showing those affected that we stand with them in their time of sorrow. But I found myself wondering on Friday, as I did in Oklahoma City, if there was something we could have done to prevent this grief, this scar on the nation's soul. As the debate rages on the potential for Saddam Hussein to use his weapons of mass destruction, I keep these observances in the back of my mind, and pledge to do whatever it takes to keep Hussein from creating another day of remembrance.

There is no doubt that Saddam Hussein has acquired biological and chemical weapons, and has aggressively pursued acquiring nuclear weapons since the end of the Gulf War. He has already used weapons of mass destruction both in his war with Iran and against his own people. I have no doubt he would use them again. He poses a serious threat to peace in the Middle East and the world.

Saddam's actions have proven to the free world that the only way to ensure peace and stability in the region is to end his oppressive tyranny over the Iraqi people.

In the weeks ahead, this issue will be debated vigorously in Congress, as well as in the coffee shops and feed stores of my congressional district. I welcome that debate, as I welcome your opinions on this critical issue to our security and the security of the world.

I also believe that a vote by Congress on a possible military campaign in Iraq is a congressional responsibility. This debate will enable the president to make the case to Congress and to the American people.

The administration has clearly stated that it recognizes the importance of congressional deliberation, as well as consultation with our allies. I'm happy to see that Congress will hold hearings on the issue of military action against Saddam Hussein, so that we can carefully deliberate this extremely important issue to the American people.

It's my hope that we can prevent the need for future solemn anniversaries and remembrances, by thwarting the efforts of those who would like nothing better than to give us a reason to grieve. One memorial service was too many, and two were sadly familiar. A third would be a national tragedy we should work to prevent.