McDermott's Statement on H. Con. Res. 104, Authoization for War
For Immediate Release - March 21, 2003

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a member of this body who was privileged to serve my country as an officer in the United States Navy. In that role, as a chief psychiatrist at the Long Beach Naval Station at the height of the Vietnam War, it was my duty to evaluate and treat Seamen and Marines returning from combat.

I wish it to be clearly understood that I have the utmost respect and appreciation for the courage, tenacity and dedication of those currently serving in Iraq and elsewhere.

Mr. Speaker, War is not a partisan matter.

The leadership should be ashamed for bringing this to the floor. Everyone here wants to support an honest and straightforward resolution to support our troops. Don't give us a dishonest resolution that confuses the issue by asking us to endorse the Bush Doctrine that sent our troops to war.

I for one will not be forced to praise the President's decisions, when what I want to do, is praise the troops.

I can not endorse the administration's policy of military action without international sanctions. This war of choice undermines the international order and endangers our republic.