Rep. Watson Warns Congress About President's Use of Force Resolution Against Iraq
September 26, 2002
Congresswoman Diane E. Watson (D-Los Angeles) strongly urged members of the House of Representatives to oppose President Bush’s “Use of Force Resolution.” Watson warned that the document requires Congress to abdicate its constitutional authority by giving the President a blank check to do whatever he wants to do without the consent of Congress.
Representative Watson stated, “I believe that Congress is obligated to steer the President toward a goal that will compliment our overall war on terrorism. Regime change may be desirable, but it should not be a first-choice option.” She continued, “The Administration must work through the United Nations and its allies to ensure that Iraq relinquishes all of its weapons of mass destruction.”
Watson emphasized that a “hair trigger” policy is not desirable nor effective. She said,”I believe that the policy of preemption, which the Presidents resolution supports, is a very dangerous strategy that sets an equally dangerous precedent of legitimizing the use of force when there is a perceived threat. Additional Congressional debate on this very important issue is critical and warranted. We would be remiss and derelict in our duties if we do less.”
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