- News>
- World
Bush urged to seek Congress support on Iraq
Washington, Sept 01: Former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole stepped into the intensifying US debate on Iraq on Sunday, urging President George W Bush to seek congressional approval for any plan to topple Saddam Hussein in order to present a united front.
Washington, Sept 01: Former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole stepped into the intensifying US debate on Iraq on Sunday, urging President George W Bush to seek congressional approval for any plan to topple Saddam Hussein in order to present a united front.
In an op-ed piece published in The Washington Post, Dole agreed with Bush's assessment that the Iraqi leader poses an imminent threat that demands immediate attention. "As he builds his case, he should also seek congressional approval, even though he has the authority needed," Dole said.
"Consultations with Congress are essential, but not adequate, when armed conflict is the issue. Every member needs to ascertain the facts, and then be prepared to vote yea or nay," Dole continued.
"When all is said and done, Congress will respond affirmatively and the president will be strengthened as he reaches out to willing allies," he wrote, adding that "Saddam Hussein will also clearly understand that America means business when the president and Congress come together."
Dole argued there was no need for the United States to seek United Nations authorization to strike Iraq saying that such a resolution would face certain veto in the Security Council. "The United States cannot afford more rhetoric masquerading as action or another delay of the inevitable. The administration is right, instead, to focus on building a coalition of the willing. As Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld told our troops last week, 'Leadership in the right direction finds followers and supporters,'" Dole said.
"This is true abroad as it is at home. President Bush will make his case to Congress, and when he does, senators and representatives will respond with bipartisan support. With that will come additional backing from the American people." Bureau Report
In an op-ed piece published in The Washington Post, Dole agreed with Bush's assessment that the Iraqi leader poses an imminent threat that demands immediate attention. "As he builds his case, he should also seek congressional approval, even though he has the authority needed," Dole said.
"Consultations with Congress are essential, but not adequate, when armed conflict is the issue. Every member needs to ascertain the facts, and then be prepared to vote yea or nay," Dole continued.
"When all is said and done, Congress will respond affirmatively and the president will be strengthened as he reaches out to willing allies," he wrote, adding that "Saddam Hussein will also clearly understand that America means business when the president and Congress come together."
Dole argued there was no need for the United States to seek United Nations authorization to strike Iraq saying that such a resolution would face certain veto in the Security Council. "The United States cannot afford more rhetoric masquerading as action or another delay of the inevitable. The administration is right, instead, to focus on building a coalition of the willing. As Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld told our troops last week, 'Leadership in the right direction finds followers and supporters,'" Dole said.
"This is true abroad as it is at home. President Bush will make his case to Congress, and when he does, senators and representatives will respond with bipartisan support. With that will come additional backing from the American people." Bureau Report