Congressional Record Weekly Update

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1A) Senate Strongly Supports US Nonproliferation Programs

   SENATE RESOLUTION 90--EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE SENATE THAT THE SENATE STRONGLY SUPPORTS THE NONPROLIFERATION PROGRAMS OF THE UNITED STATES

   Mr. BYRD (for himself, and Mr. LUGAR) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations:

   S. Res. 90

   Whereas on March 6, 2003, the Senate gave its advice and consent to the Treaty Between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Strategic Offensive Reductions, done at Moscow on May 24, 2002 (the Moscow Treaty), which treaty will result in the draw down of thousands of strategic nuclear weapons by December 31, 2012;

   Whereas the lack of strict and effective control over and security of all weapons of mass destruction by the governments having jurisdiction over such weapons continues to be of grave concern to all nations that are threatened by terrorism, especially after the catastrophic terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001; and

   Whereas despite some recent improvements in cooperation at the highest levels of the Russian Federation, various officials and agencies of the Russian Federation have been counter-productive in barring access and information to the United States with respect to nonproliferation programs and activities, thereby needlessly hindering the progress of such programs and activities: Now, therefore, be it

    Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate that--

    (1) the Senate strongly supports the nonproliferation programs of the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and the Department of State, which programs are intended to reduce the worldwide threat posed by nuclear , chemical, and biological weapons that remain unsecured in the Russian Federation and elsewhere;

    (2) the Russian Federation should continue to improve the access of the United States to key facilities, and the sharing of information with the United States, so as to bring a successful and timely conclusion to various nonproliferation programs and activities; and

    (3) the United States should redouble its efforts to achieve full implementation of the nonproliferation programs of the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and the Department of State under effective management, and make full use of all funds that Congress appropriates or otherwise makes available for such programs.

1B) Dirty Bomb Prevention and Port Security

   AMENDMENT NO. 343, AS MODIFIED

   Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, the amendment is at the desk as modified.

   The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.

   The legislative clerk read as follows:

   The Senator from South Carolina [Mr. HOLLINGS], for himself, and Mrs. Boxer, Mr. Sarbanes, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Graham of Florida, Mr. Byrd, Mr. Lieberman, and Mr. Corzine, proposes an amendment numbered 343, as modified.

   Mr. HOLLINGS. I ask unanimous consent reading of the amendment be dispensed with.

   The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

   The amendment (No. 343), as modified, as is follows:

   On page 4, line 15, increase the amount by $1,000,000,000.

   On page 4, line 16, increase the amount by $1,000,000,000.

   On page 5, line 5, increase the amount by $314,000,000.

   On page 5, line 6, increase the amount by $634,000,000.

   On page 5, line 7, increase the amount by $535,000,000.

   On page 5, line 8, increase the amount by $336,000,000.

   On page 5, line 9, increase the amount by $153,000,000.

   On page 5, line 10, increase the amount by $31,000,000.

   On page 21, line 23, increase the amount by $850,000,000.

   On page 21, line 24, increase the amount by $201,000,000.

   On page 22, line 2, increase the amount by $850,000,000.

   On page 22, line 3, increase the amount by $484,000,000.

   On page 22, line 7, increase the amount by $497,000,000.

   On page 22, line 11, increase the amount by $336,000,000.

   On page 22, line 15, increase the amount by $153,000,000.

   On page 22, line 19, increase the amount by $31,000,000.

   On page 36, line 15, increase the amount by $150,000,000.

   On page 36, line 16, increase the amount by $113,000,000.

   On page 36, line 19, increase the amount by $150,000,000.

   On page 36, line 20, increase the amount by $150,000,000.

   On page 36, line 24, increase the amount by $30,000,000.

   On page 42, line 2, decrease the amount by $1,000,000,000.

   On page 42, line 3, decrease the amount by $.314,000,000

   On page 42, line 6, decrease the amount by $1,000,000,000.

   On page 42, line 7, decrease the amount by $684,000,000.

   On page 42, line 11, decrease the amount by $535,000,000.

   On page 42, line 15, decrease the amount by $336,000,000.

   On page 42, line 19, decrease the amount by $133,000,000.

   On page 42, line 23, decrease the amount by $31,000,000.

   Mr. HOLLINGS. On behalf of Senators GRAHAM of Florida and South Carolina, Senators BYRD, LIEBERMAN, CORZINE, SCHUMER, MURRAY, BIDEN, and others, this amendment is to fund the port security provisions that we passed unanimously through the Senate. We had funding at that time. The House would not agree and the law is there. The responsibility and the unfunded mandate is there upon the States. Now they have no emergency dollars and it is an emergency situation.

   We have to have $1 billion this year and $1 billion next year. I wanted to first take the money from the tax cuts. That was not going to work, and then I was going to remove the caps and I retreated to the 920 offset. We are in a desperate situation. We have to have the money.

   Last Congress, we passed the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002. This landmark bill reflects the first time that the federal government has imposed security requirements on U.S. ports since World War II.

   People do not ordinarily think about what happens at our ports. They take for granted that goods from all over the world are transported through our ports at minimal cost. However, this system is in jeopardy because security has never been part of the equation, and for the first time, we are requiring shipments to not only be efficient, but efficient and secure. The current situation leaves us in jeopardy, because Al Qaeda could use one of the millions of marine containers that are shipped into the U.S. to carry a dirty bomb, they could also take over an oil tanker and use it as a weapon to attack our coastal cities.

   The bill we passed last year, the Maritime Transportation Security Act, sets the stage for protecting our nation, and for protecting our homeland. Last year, when we were considering this measure, Senate conferees insisted that we needed a commitment to fund the important requirements and mandates of this act. But until now we have not agreed on how to fund this measure. We implored the administration to come up with their own plan to help us address the vital need to secure our ports and points inland from maritime attack, but they sat on the sidelines.

   Faced with that inaction, we pushed our colleagues in the House to require user fees on cargo shippers, and on ships, in order to provide funds for security equipment and programs, and to help our first responders plan how they might counteract any attacks. But our friends in the House, primarily those at the Ways and Means Committee, said that it was not a user fee. When we convinced them that it was, they then said that revenues had to originate in the House. After that we said okay, you pass the bill on the House side, and then we will pass your bill in the Senate. Yet the goal post moved further away once again, when the house said that they couldn't agree on any user

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   As required by the MTSA, the Coast Guard has begun to survey security at U.S. ports, and preliminary estimates are that we will need 4.8 billion dollars to comply with the mandates. According to a ``Maritime Security Notice'' in the Federal Register of December 30, 2002, the total costs of implementing security in our seaports will reach $6 billion over the next ten years. The first year cost will be $1.4 billion. The costs are broken down by USCG as follows:

   Vessel security: $1.1 billion over ten years,

   Facility security: $4.4 billion over ten years,

   Port Security Plans and Committees: $477 million over ten years.

   This funding is crucial to the security of our homeland. A recent port security terrorism simulation was conducted by federal, state, and private sector experts to examine the consequences of a seaport attack. Their conclusions were stunning. The simulation indicated that within twenty days of an attack through U.S. seaports, the New York Stock Exchange would halt trading on the Exchange because of restated earnings estimates and shareholder panic. Retailers and manufacturers would be crippled by our inability to reopen U.S. ports so that their inventories could be replenished.

   Last year, U.S. ports on the west coast were temporarily closed because of labor strikes, economists estimate that this closure cost our economy over two billion dollars a day. And, while we are spending billions of dollars each year to figure out how to shoot missiles out of the sky, we are spending practically nothing to protect against a weapon simply being put into a marine container, and shipped to the United States at a cost of less than three thousand dollars.

   The economic impact of the closure of just the west coast ports pales in comparison to the economic devastation that would be the reaction to a dirty bomb imported in a container through the Port of Charleston or Philadelphia, or an intentional ship collision with an oil facility along the Houston ship channel, or the scuttling of a vessel blocking the Mississippi River maritime highway. Many Members are from States that would be directly impacted by a maritime terrorist event, and all will be effected by the economic fallout. As demonstrated by the port security simulation, a terrorist event will force the closure of every port in the country, potentially causing the destruction of our economic system before the ports could be cleared and reopened. Currently, we are only inspecting two percent of containers entering the U.S. We need to do better. The consequences are just to great to not provide the badly needed funds to upgrade port security.

   For example, Tuesday, with the existing military situation and homeland security threat level at ``high,'' the State of South Carolina has been forced to supplement the existing security at the Port of Charleston, and at nuclear power plants, by deputizing and reassigning 400 probation and parole officers. This extra security should be available from security professionals trained in transportation security, but these professionals are not available because we are not doing what is needed to secure our ports.

   A failure in securing our ports from attack, will result in a catastrophic attack on our economy, and ultimately on the strength of our nation. We currently do not have an adequate security system at our ports, and there has not been any sign from the Administration that they will secure our seaports in the future. The Coast Guard, Customs and Transportation Security Administration are doing their best, but unless they are given the tools and the funding to help our ports and cities employ the security that we need, we will be defenseless from a catastrophic attack. In order to provide this critical funding I am proposing an amendment to the Senate budget resolution.

   The amendment would add $1 billion annually, for seaport security needs, over the next two years. In order to pay for the amendment, the tax cut would be reduced by $2 billion. The one billion, per year, could be spent consistent with the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, as follows: Maritime Administration, $610 million; $450 million, for grants to ports and waterfront facilities to help ensure compliance with federally approved security plans; $150 million; for grants to states, local municipalities and other entities to help comply with federal area security plans and to provide grants to responders for port security contingency response; $10 million, to be used in conjunction with the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center to help develop a seaport security training curriculum to provide training to federal and state law enforcement personnel, and to certify private security personnel working at seaports.

   Coast Guard, $160 million; $50 million, for port security assessments; $50 million, for the establishment and operation of multi-agency task force to coordinate and evaluate maritime information in order to identify and respond to security threats; $40 million, to help implement the Automated Identification System, AIS, and other tracking systems designed to actively track and monitor vessels operating in U.S. waters; $20 million, for additional Coast Guard port security vessels.

   The Border and Transportation Security Directorate, $230 million, $100 million, to Customs for the installation of screening equipment, and to be used to help develop new technologies to help develop and prototype screening and detection equipment at U.S. ports; $100 million, to TSA and Customs; $50 million each, to evaluate and implement cargo security programs; $30 million, for the Transportation Security Administration, TSA, to develop and implement the Transportation Worker ID Card, and to conduct criminal background checks of transportation workers who work in secure areas or who work with sensitive cargo or information.

   I thank the distinguished chairman for his agreement. We could voice-vote to save time.

   The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Oklahoma.

   Mr. NICKLES. I thank my friends and colleagues, Senator Hollings and Senator Graham of South Carolina, for their willingness to work with us to modify the amendment. We are happy to accept the amendment. That will eliminate two rollcall votes.

   The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on agreeing to amendment No. 343, as modified.

   The amendment (No. 343), as modified, was agreed to.

2A) Support for a Missile Defense System

   Mr. KYL. Mr. President, I would like to submit for the RECORD a recent resolution passed by the Arizona State Legislature declaring its support for a missile defense system. I commend the sponsors and supporters of this resolution for their recognition of the need for the United States to end its vulnerability to a ballistic missile attack by developing and deploying a missile defense system as soon as possible.

   There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as follows:

   House Concurrent Resolution 2027

   Whereas, the people of the State of Arizona view with growing concern the proliferation of nuclear , chemical and biological weapons of mass destruction and the missile delivery capabilities of these weapons in the hands of unstable foreign regimes; and

   Whereas, the tragedy of September 11, 2001 shows that America is vulnerable to attack by foreign enemies; and

   Whereas, the people of the State of Arizona wish to affirm their support of the United States government in taking all actions necessary to protect the people of America and future generations from attacks by missiles capable of causing mass destruction and loss of American lives: Therefore be it

   Resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona, the Senate concurring:

   1. That the Members of the Legislature support the President of the United States in directing the considerable scientific and technological capabilities of this nation and in taking all actions necessary to protect the states and their citizens, our allies and our armed forces abroad from the threat of missile attack.

   2. That the Members of the Legislature convey to the President and Congress of the United States that a coast-to-coast, effective missile defense system will require the deployment of a robust, multi-layered architecture consisting of integrated land-based, sea-based and space-based capabilities to deter evolving future threats from missiles as weapons of mass destruction and to meet and destroy them when necessary.

   3. That the Members of the Legislature appeal to the President and Congress of the United States to plan and fund a missile defense system beyond 2005 that would consolidate technological advancement and expansion from current limited applications.

   4. That the Secretary of State of the State of Arizona transmit copies of this Resolution to the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and each member of Congress from the State of Arizona.

--

   Senate Concurrent Resolution 1021

   Whereas, the people of the State of Arizona view with growing concern the proliferation of nuclear , chemical and biological weapons of mass destruction and the missile delivery capabilities of these weapons in the hands of unstable foreign regimes; and

   Whereas, the tragedy of September 11, 2001 shows that America is vulnerable to attack by foreign enemies; and

   Whereas, the people of the State of Arizona wish to affirm their support of the United States government in taking all actions necessary to protect the people of America and future generations from attacks by missiles capable of causing mass destruction and loss of American lives: Therefore, be it

   Resolved by the Senate of the State of Arizona, the House of Representatives concurring:

   1. That the Members of the Legislature support the President of the United States in directing the considerable scientific and technological capabilities of this nation and in taking all actions necessary to protect the states and their citizens, our allies and our armed forces abroad from the threat of missile attack.

   2. That the Members of the Legislature convey to the President and Congress of the United States that a coast-to-coast, effective missile defense system will require the deployment of a robust, multi-layered architecture consisting of integrated land-based, sea-based and space-based capabilities to deter evolving future threats from missiles as weapons of mass destruction and to meet and destroy them when necessary.

   3. That the Members of the Legislature appeal to the President and Congress of the United States to plan and fund a missile defense system beyond 2005 that would consolidate technological advancement and expansion from current limited applications.

   4. That the Secretary of State of the State of Arizona transmit copies of this Resolution to the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and each member of Congress from the State of Arizona.

2B) Commending the President and US Armed Forces

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   Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, with that, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now proceed to the consideration of the resolution which is at the desk.

   The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Alexander). Is there objection?

   Without objection, it is so ordered.

   The clerk will report.

   The legislative clerk read as follows:

   A resolution (S. Res. 95) commending the President and the Armed Forces of the United States of America.

   The Senate proceeded to consider the resolution.

   Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I will keep my opening remarks short, as well, to restate the support that the resolution addresses very directly, which is, support for the President of the United States as Commander in Chief, for our troops, for the military families, for the civilian families, in support of our military.

   The President has ordered the first salvos in Operation Iraqi Freedom. It was a moment that all of us had hoped to be able to avoid. We prayed for peace. We worked for peace. But the Iraqi regime chose a different destiny.

   Now our mission is clear: to use the full might of the American military to disarm Saddam Hussein and liberate the Iraqi people from his oppressive rule.

   American warships and planes have been employed to attack enemy targets throughout Iraq, and hundreds of thousands of American troops are fighting their way across the Iraqi border. Our men and women in uniform are in harm's way. They are engaged in battle as we speak. We all pray for their safety and for their success.

   I am confident of their victory, and I am confident it will come at the earliest possible moment. Ours is the best equipped, the best trained military in the world. They know they have a job to do. They know how to do it, and they know how to do it with extraordinary skill. And as they do, they have the full support of this body and the American people behind them.

   I also applaud the President of the United States, who has shown bold leadership and strong leadership and visionary leadership over the last several months. Our prayers are with him. Through tremendous diplomacy, he has assembled more than 30 countries to join us in this cause. We are grateful for his leadership and the support of our allies.

   And to the families of our men and women in uniform, I know they are concerned about the safety of their loved ones. The President and Congress are concerned, too. We are doing all we can to ensure your loved ones return home as quickly and as safely as possible. America is grateful for your sacrifice.

   This war is justified by our own laws, by international laws, and by the laws of nature, which state all people are created equal and with a right to live in liberty.

   Let there be no mistake, we are defending our own liberty. We have already seen what terrorists can do with the combined power of only three jet aircraft. We are now at war so we will not ever see what terrorists will do if supplied with weapons of mass destruction by Saddam Hussein.

   We also fight to liberate the Iraqi people. For those in Iraq who have suffered daily terror from this oppressive tyrant, for those who have survived torture and imprisonment, for those who have watched family members die in agony from chemical weapons, their moment of freedom is near.

   For those who will defend this dying regime, the moment of reckoning has come.

   Mr. President, I welcome the strong bipartisan support that this resolution has and will receive. It is an honor to stand here side by side with my colleague, the Democratic leader, to send a clear message to those brave Americans who are risking their lives for us

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   The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Democratic leader.

   Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I commend the distinguished majority leader for his remarks and for the leadership he has shown as we have come to the floor on this historic occasion.

   Last night, the President announced to the Nation that the disarmament campaign against Iraq had begun.

   It is the duty of the Senate to address our most solemn decisions now as a nation. As a veteran, I know there is no more important or grave decision than whether we send our sons and daughters into armed conflict.

   Once our President makes the decision to commit to the use of force, the Congress has always come together to speak with one voice, for one purpose: to support the efforts of our troops, and to pray for their courage, their success, and their safe and quick return home.

   With pride and resolve, we do so again today.

   We may have had differences of opinion about what brought us to this point, but the President of the United States is the Commander in Chief, and today we unite behind him as well.

   Saddam Hussein is a menace to his own people, and a threat to the peace and stability of the entire region.

   As our soldiers risk their own lives to secure the lives and liberty of others, we pledge to repay their courage by guaranteeing that we will spare no resource and no effort to ensure that nothing stands between them and victory.

   Recently, within the last couple of weeks, I visited Sturgis, SD, the home of the members of the 109th Engineering Battalion. Its members had just been mobilized and sent to the Persian Gulf.

   As American families have done since the birth of our Nation when our country has been called to war, fathers and mothers said goodbye to their children in uniform, and sons and daughters watched as their parents left home for battlefields.

   Once again, the families of our troops are left with prayers, and hopes, and the pride that the men and women they love are serving their country and serving the cause of peace and liberty.

   One thousand members of the 28th Bomb Wing from Ellsworth Air Force Base in my home State are engaged in the Persian Gulf today. Several thousand more South Dakotans have been activated in what is now the most robust callup in our State's history. We are proud to have one of the highest proportions of deployed troops in the country. It makes sense that so many South Dakotans have volunteered to serve. We are a State of small towns and old neighbors. And when you grow up in a small town, you learn early that your future is bound to those around you. You learn early that if you do not do your part, someone else has to pick up the slack. And you learn early that all we value about our homes and our lives cannot be created or maintained by leaving the work to someone else.

   Soldiers and sailors, airmen and marines, go into battle today driven by that wisdom. As they begin the dangerous work of disarming Saddam Hussein and liberating the people of Iraq, their courage rides on the values of small towns and old neighbors. Our country--generation after generation--has been defended by the same willingness to sacrifice.

   Today, our bravest men and women are called upon to carry forward the proud tradition of the American Armed Forces. They are making a more peaceful world for all children--for their own and for the children of Iraq.

   History will long remember their service. They have our support, our devotion, and our gratitude.

   I yield the floor.

   The PRESIDING OFFICER. The majority leader.

   Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the time on our side be managed by Senator Warner.

   The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

   The Democratic leader.

   Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I announce that the ranking member of the Armed Services Committee, Senator Levin, will be our manager. I ask unanimous consent that the time between now and the time the votes are cast on the amendments pending be divided equally.

   The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

   The Senator from Virginia.

   Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, before our distinguished leaders depart the floor, I wish to say as one Senator, I am very proud that the differences have been reconciled and that this resolution bears both of your distinguished names and that we will strive to have unity in this Chamber and to have a very constructive and clear debate as a message to the men and women of the armed forces, their families and, indeed, the whole world.

   Mr. LEVIN. If the Senator from Virginia will yield, I want to add a similar thought. I wish all of our troops could see the two of you standing together here. I had no doubt we would unite in support of our troops when the time came, and that is exactly what is happening. This picture is a very eloquent statement about the unity of the Congress once we are committed to combat.

   Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to proceed under the time allocated to the distinguished majority leader, which I am privileged to manager.

   The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator is recognized.

   Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I recognize that I have the opportunity to work on this debate with my distinguished colleague, Senator Levin. We have served together, now, this is our 25th year on the Senate Armed Services Committee. I say to my colleague, I know of no debate of greater significance than the one we are about to undertake at a critical hour not only in the history of the United States but the history of the world.

   It would be helpful if I were to undertake to read the resolution that is at the desk that hopefully will be voted on by the Senate in a very short period of time after all Senators have had the opportunity to express themselves.

   The resolution is entitled ``Commending the President and the Armed Forces of the United States of America,'' submitted by Senators FRIST, DASCHLE, WARNER and LEVIN.

   Whereas Saddam Hussein has failed to comply with United Nations Security Council resolutions 678, 686, 687, 688, 707, 715, 949, 1051, 1060, 1115, 1134, 1137, 1154, 1194, 1205, 1284, and 1441;

   The most historic of all, in my judgment, resolution 1441, which received the unanimous vote of all Security Council members, 15--

   Whereas the military action now underway against Iraq is lawful and fully authorized by the Congress in Sec. 3(a) of Public Law 107-243, which passed the Senate on October 10, 2002, by a vote of 77-23, and which passed the House of Representatives on that same date by a vote of 296-133;

   Whereas more than 225,000 men and women of the United States Armed Forces are now involved in conflict against Iraq;

   Whereas over 200,000 members of the Reserves and National Guard have been called to active duty for the conflict against Iraq and other purposes; and

   Whereas the Congress and the American people have the greatest pride in the men and women of the United States Armed Forces, and the civilian personnel supporting them, and strongly support them in their efforts;

   Now therefore be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that Congress--

   (1) commends and supports the efforts and leadership of the President, as Commander in Chief, in the conflict against Iraq;

   (2) commends, and expenses the gratitude of the Nation to all members of the United States Armed Forces (whether on active duty, in the National Guard, or in the Reserves) and the civilian employees who support their efforts, as well as the men and women of civilian national security agencies who are participating in the military operations in the Persian Gulf region, for their professional excellence, dedicated patriotism and exemplary bravery;

   (3) commends and expresses the gratitude of the Nation to the family members of soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and civilians serving in operations against Iraq who have borne the burden of sacrifice and separation from their loved ones;

   (4) expresses its deep condolences to the families of brave Americans who have lost their lives in this noble undertaking, over many years, against Iraq;

   (5) joins all Americans in remembering those who lost their lives during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm in 1991, those still missing from that conflict, including Captain Scott Speicher, USN, and the thousands of Americans who have lost their lives in terrorist attacks over the years, and in the Global War in Terrorism; and

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   (6) expresses sincere gratitude to British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his government for their courageous and steadfast support, as well as gratitude to other allied nations for their military support, logistical support, and other assistance in the campaign against Saddam Hussein's regime.

   Mr. President, today in Iraq, in Afghanistan, on the high seas, at the far corners of the world, and here at home, our forces, active duty and reserve components alike, are confronting the oppression, tyranny, and terrorism that plagues and threatens the world and our Nation. I am so enormously proud of our military and their leaders who fashioned a force unlike any the world has ever known, a force capable of delivering overwhelming might anytime, anywhere, if necessary.

   Just weeks ago my distinguished colleague, Senator Levin, and I, together with Senator Roberts and Senator Rockefeller, were privileged to visit many of these troops in that region, Qatar, Kuwait, and other areas. A disciplined force this is, able to employ measured steps in an honorable and decent manner to ensure that everything possible is done to provide for the humanitarian and security needs of an innocent people, the people of Iraq. Truly the force has never seen an opportunity such as this, and it is under the command not only of our President but of officers of the United States, Great Britain, Australia, and indeed more.

   A decision to commit our sons and daughters to combat is never an easy one. Clearly, our President anguished over this decision. I was privileged to meet with him, with the leadership here just days ago. Clearly, he showed his steadfastness, his courage, his wisdom, his very balanced thinking, as he conducted himself with the advice of others, to reach this decision, which he did last night.

   We in the Congress debated this solemn responsibility to authorize the use of force last October. We took our constitutional responsibility seriously. We thoroughly examined the circumstances and voted overwhelmingly, 77 to 23, to authorize the Commander in Chief to use military force if, and only if, he determined that all diplomatic efforts to peacefully disarm Saddam Hussein's Iraqi regime had been fulfilled. I personally think he did that and did it brilliantly.

   Those efforts, unfortunately, did not result in a Security Council resolution of unity, as it did with 15 votes in October.

   The Security Council became deadlocked for reasons we all know. It is important to note, however, that our President expended extraordinary efforts to bring this clear and growing threat to the attention of the United Nations and to try to build that consensus for a unified way to proceed.

   The United Nations was unable to step up to its responsibilities of enforcing its own mandates largely because of the intransigence of a very few nations to block any form of meaningful enforcement of these U.N. Security Council resolutions. The failure of the United Nations to step up to its responsibilities is most unfortunate, for the United Nations at this time in its long history of over 50 years is facing a challenge unlike any before, with the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, particularly those of nuclear weapons on the Korean peninsula, Iran, and other areas of the world. This could have been their finest hour.

   Our President has stepped up to his responsibilities to protect the American people from a grave and growing threat to our national security. Ultimately, the President's constitutional responsibility is to the American people. He made the determination that Saddam Hussein, armed with weapons of mass destruction, is an imminent threat to the security of the people of this Nation and, indeed, other nations.

   His most sacred responsibility is to protect the American people. The Congress, as a coequal branch of Government, has fulfilled, in my judgment, its constitutional responsibilities by giving the President the authority he needs to do so.

   Now the effort has begun to liberate Iraq, restore a secure environment, and ultimately bring a lasting peace with justice and representative democratic principles to a land that has known little peace throughout its history. Our forces are capable of helping Iraqis realize this dream. I have no doubt our forces will conduct themselves in a very responsible way. Our forces, supported by countless civilian employees and by families and loved ones back home, and joined by forces and support from many other nations--over 30, Mr. President--as a coalition to liberate Iraq, will prevail.

   We are all hopeful that this operation can be conducted with minimum loss of life, with minimum casualties, with minimum destruction and hardship. We must await that outcome. We must be prepared, however, for a broad and concerted effort that may take longer and involve more sacrifice than some have predicted. We cannot and will not waiver from our resolve to bring freedom and hope to this troubled Nation and to rid the world of this threat to regional and global security.

   I, again, salute our men and women in uniform, their families, and those who support them in this noble effort. I yield the floor.

   The PRESIDING OFFICER. Who yields time?

   Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I yield as much time as Senator Reid needs.

   The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Nevada.

   Mr. REID. Mr. President, today in the Senate--it does not happen very often--we speak with one voice. Now that the military effort to disarm Saddam Hussein and remove his brutal regime from power has started, it is important that we, the Senate, Democrats and Republicans, express our unified support for our troops.

   I personally am very proud of the Nevada sons and daughters who have been deployed to the Middle East as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Nevada has, I believe, the finest military aviation training facilities in the world. That is not something that is just provincial in nature. We have the great Nellis Air Force Base and the Fallon Naval Air Station, plus we have the Indian Springs Air Force Base where the drones are kept, where people train with those unmanned vehicles.

   Nellis Air Force Base has a special place in my heart because Bill Nellis was from my hometown of Searchlight, NV, a very small town in size and the number of people who live there. Bill Nellis served in World War II and became a hero. His body now lies in a military cemetery in Belgium, but all of us in Nevada know where Nellis Air Force Base got its name. His family is still there and very proud of the fact that this great training facility for the Air Force is named after Bill Nellis of Searchlight.

   The Fallon Naval Air Station is also where we train aviators. These two bases--to show the size of the State of Nevada--are 400 miles apart. One is the premier training facility for our Air Force, and the other, Fallon naval air training facility, is a premier training facility for our naval pilots--Top Gun. It is a rural community 65 miles out of Reno, NV.

   These pilots--hundreds from Nellis and other personnel critical to our mission in Iraq--are right now serving on the front lines. Hundreds who trained at Fallon are there also.

   When I see those Navy fighters taking off on carriers in the gulf, as I did this morning before I came to work, there is no question in my mind that they were trained at Fallon.

   Nevada's Guard and Reserve troops are also playing a significant role, more than 1,000 from Nevada's Guard and Reserve. Nevada's percentage of Guard and Reserve callups and deployments is one of the highest in the Nation. This is, of course, a hardship to the communities, the cities, and the towns from where they come. It is a hardship on the employers and families they leave behind.

   I also recognize the honor that is associated with this hardship and this sacrifice. Our Guard units, for example, have a specially train unit to handle prisoners of war. They have been called up. They also have one of the only Blackhawk-equipped medical evacuation teams. It is understandable why they have been called up. There are many other specialities that are needed in the gulf, and Secretary Rumsfeld has called them up. They are heroes. They are talented.

   There are other heroes in Nevada, and they are the families who remain behind. Children who are going to school in Nevada have mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters half a world away and hoping and praying they come home but not really knowing if that, in fact, will happen.

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   The sacrifice that many of these families are making so our forces will prevail cannot be overstated. In many cases, the lead income earner or main caretaker is in the desert right now either pursuing Saddam Hussein or maybe even trying to

   track down al-Qaida operatives.

   I try but I am not sure I fully understand the hardship the families are enduring. This Congress and communities all over America stand with the families and will help in any way we can until their loved ones return. We pray for the safe and speedy return of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines.

   We understand as a Congress that war entails risk; that the American military is the best fighting force ever assembled.

   I have to take a pause here and commend and applaud the chairman and ranking member of the Armed Services Committee who have worked together as partners for many years now developing the military that is now serving in the Middle East. They are two fine Senators. There are no two men in the Senate for whom I have more respect than the distinguished Senator from Virginia and my longtime friend, the Senator from Michigan. I had the pleasure and honor of coming to Congress with his brother. I have said this to Senator Levin on a number of occasions. The first time I ever met CARL LEVIN, I said: I came to Washington with your brother, Sandy.

   He said: Yes, Sandy is my brother, but he is also my best friend.

   This is the kind of man we have working with us in the minority. I again commend and applaud the two of them.

   Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, will the Senator yield a moment? I remember so well when we had last year's authorization bill on the floor. The distinguished Senator from Michigan and I time and again sought Senator Reid's assistance to keep that bill going, to reconcile issues such as health care, current receipts, the BRAC process, and other very strong issues. So the Senator has been a full honorary member of the Armed Services Committee.

   Mr. REID. I thank my friend from Virginia. As I said, we in Congress understand the risks that war entails. The American military, as I have said before--parting a little off the subject by complimenting my two friends--is the best fighting force ever assembled. We owe a lot of that to these two men. I am confident that the men and women of our armed services, with the help of British and Australian soldiers, will bring about a decisive victory. Let us hope this can be achieved swiftly and with minimal casualties.

   Mr. President, I will do everything in my power to ensure that Congress fully funds and supports the needs of our troops as this conflict proceeds.

   As American troops are engaged in war in Iraq, as well as elsewhere around the world, in our ongoing war against terrorists, and defending our interests and allies, we think also of previous generations who served our Nation faithfully and proudly to protect American lives, liberties and values. To all of our veterans, in Nevada and around the country, I say, ``Thank you for your service.'' And I reassure you that I will continue to make sure our Nation honors our commitment to you.

   We are so fortunate to live in a Nation that promises fundamental freedom like the freedom of speech and freedom of belief. Those who have served in the United States Armed Forces in past years and those who serve today have fought to guarantee the rights we hold dear. Thanks to their service and sacrifice, Americans can express opinions even if they disagree with the Government without fear of being harassed, arrested, tortured or murdered. This is a fundamental difference that separates our American democracy from regimes like the Taliban which we ousted from Afghanistan or dictators like Saddam Hussein whom we will remove from Iraq.

   So we all appreciate, value and will fight to defend the right of all of us--American citizens and those of us in public service--to speak freely. Regardless of whether Americans agree or disagree with the decision to go to war or how the administration has conducted its foreign policy, we share patriotic feelings. That is what patriotism is about. And I want our troops to know that we all support them completely.

   Americans also stand united with our Commander-in-Chief, President George Bush, as he leads the Nation through this difficult period. I will continue to support his efforts to build and strengthen our coalition to assist with post-war reconstruction in Iraq.

   But today let me re-emphasize that we stand united, and we speak with one voice, in supporting our troops and working for the swift and decisive defeat of Saddam Hussein. I am confident more peaceful times lie ahead. Certainly, peace and freedom lie on the horizon for the Iraqi people.

   Mr. LEVIN. Before the Senator from Nevada leaves, I add my thanks to him not just for his very kind words but, as Senator Warner said, for his absolutely invaluable leadership on this floor year after year. We were able to get a bill passed last year, in good measure, because of his ability to get us to the point where we could resolve differences among Members to get to votes. One particular instance that I hope the Senator will always be remembered for--at least he will in our minds, I know--is his leadership to make sure that the veterans who are disabled are able to get a disability pension, particularly if they are severely disabled, at the same time they get a retirement benefit.

   The absurd result that we had veterans who were severely disabled who lost their disability benefit at the same time their pension became available to them was wrong. It was corrected by this Senate, in large measure because of the leadership of Senator Reid. That is one of the many monuments to his leadership that hopefully will be remembered.

   The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Virginia.

   Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I yield such time as he may consume to the Senator from Pennsylvania.

   The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Pennsylvania.

   Mr. SPECTER. I rise to join my colleagues in support of this resolution. I commend the President and our troops, including civilians and national security personnel. I believe it is important, once the conflict has begun, that there be full support for our troops in the field.

   Resolutions were passed by both this body and the House of Representatives by overwhelming majorities. I respect those who have disagreed with the action of the Congress and with the action of the President, however, once the Nation moves forward under our constitutional process, where in a representative democracy the Congress votes and authorizes the President as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces to move ahead, we should support this action.

   It is regrettable there was not a united UN because had that been done, I think it might have been possible to back Saddam Hussein down. I had an opportunity to meet with Saddam Hussein for more than an hour back in 1990, and while he is venal and brutal, I do not think he is insane or suicidal. However, the international dance and delay was such that he thought he could wear us down.

   Once the United States had more than 200,000 troops in the field, we were constrained by weather factors and our personnel were threatened by chemical and biological attacks, and so we simply had to move. Every action on Saddam's part was a delay. So whether there was agreement or disagreement up to this point, now is the time for unified American action.

   This resolution commends Prime Minister Tony Blair and his

   government, and I believe the coalition of the willing will be doing the work really of the entire free world. It is our hope and expectation that the efforts will be swift and the casualties will be held to a minimum. With success I hope that those who have dissented in the United Nations will come forward because victory will be ours on the battlefield. However, that is not sufficient. Iraq must be rebuilt and our international alliances must be reinstated.

   This is the first step today, by having a strong vote, hopefully a unanimous vote, in supporting our troops and supporting the action of the United States of America.

   I yield the floor.

   The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Michigan.

   Mr. LEVIN. I yield myself 4 minutes.

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   Mr. President, last month a number of us were fortunate enough to visit our troops in Kuwait, Qatar, and other places in the area. As Senator Warner said, he, Senator Roberts, Senator Rockefeller, and I had that opportunity. What an extraordinarily dedicated, and motivated professional group of men and women they are; what representatives of America and the values that we stand for they are; how well trained and equipped they are; how extraordinarily high their morale was and is; and how determined this Congress is, I know now, to give them our total support.

   In the course of that visit, I met with a group of about 20 Marines from Michigan at Camp Commando. One young Marine asked me what was going on back home with the antiwar demonstrations. I could tell by the demeanor of the other Marines, both men and women, that this was a matter on the minds of a number of them.

   I told them that those demonstrating back home were carrying out and exercising a right which is something we all cherish. As a matter of fact, they were exercising the very freedoms that our Armed Forces have protected throughout our history. I told them we had a vigorous debate in the Senate last fall about the wisdom of initiating an attack against Saddam Hussein if we were unable to persuade the world community, acting through the United Nations, to authorize and support such an attack. I told them that, in the end, a majority of both Houses of the Congress voted to authorize the President to use military force with or without that explicit authority of the United Nations.

   I told them that our democracy functions through debate and decision, and that the decision to give the President this authority was democratically arrived at. Finally and most importantly, I told these Marines I was confident that, after the debate in Congress about the wisdom of instituting an attack without the support of the world community through the United Nations, if hostilities should start, those who have such different views will come together and will rally behind them and give them the full support hey deserve.

   My prediction that we would come together if hostilities ever began, despite differences over the wisdom of the policy of proceeding without U.N. authority, has now come true.

   We stand here together, shoulder to shoulder, whichever side of that particular issue we voted on, to support the men and women who are now in harm's way. We saw just a very visual and visible example of that a few minutes ago when the majority and Democratic leaders literally stood shoulder to shoulder here in the well of the Senate as they both presented a resolution of support of our troops and then indicated they were going to work hard for its passage.

   The visit we had was quite an extraordinary visit. The men and women we visited understood fully what we were telling them about the nobility of this system of government of ours and how they represented that nobility by putting their lives on the line. I am pleased to have helped draft this resolution. I am pleased to add my voice and my vote to it.

   The hostilities have begun. The democratic debate has occurred. The men and women of our Armed Forces have the unified support of the Nation they love and for which they willingly serve and for which they risk their all. To them I can only say they are in the prayers of every American and that we all hope for a speedy conclusion to this war with the minimal number of casualties and that they return home to their loved ones as soon as possible.

   I yield the floor.

   Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I yield such time as our distinguished colleague from Oklahoma may require.

   I might also say Senators ENSIGN, BURNS, the Presiding Officer Senator Alexander, Senator KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON, and Senator Allard, we are looking forward to their coming to the floor, in that sequence, on our side. We will alternate with my colleague. I alert my colleagues, this debate is moving right along and we are anxious to keep it going.

   Mr. LEVIN. I similarly indicate Senator Bingaman and then Senator Bill Nelson would be recognized on this side.

   The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Oklahoma.

   Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, for a moment let me build on something the distinguished Senator from Michigan said talking about our troops. Having been on the Senate Armed Services Committee and having been chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness for a number of years, I have had a chance to talk to troops all over the world in all kinds of circumstances. Never have I seen such a commitment as is out there right now by these young troops.

   I remember not long ago I was at a hospital where they were sending injured from Afghanistan. Without exception, each one of the injured troops--some sailors, some marines, some airmen, some Army--all said they were anxious to get back to their units. One young lady, whose name was Stennis--I remember her name because she was on the USS Stennis--a young sailor, she who got tangled up in a refueling line. It pulled her off to a free fall all the way down into the ocean, crushing both of her lungs. She was a very small person. She made it. She lived. She was in the hospital. Her words were these: I want to get well to get back to my units, and I want to make a career out of the U.S. Navy.

   When I look at our distinguished chairman of the committee, Senator Warner, who was Secretary of the Navy, I can assure you we have never had sailors more committed than we have today. That is what is happening right now.

   I am pleased we are beyond the point of talking about objections. There are three major objections that various individuals are trying to voice. One was: We cannot do anything without allies. We are glad to realize we have allies. We have some 45 nations supporting us in this effort to get rid of this terrorist, Saddam Hussein. But even if we weren't, we remember Grenada, Panama, we remember 1986 when Ronald Reagan was President and when Qadhafi had blown up a building, killing some of our soldiers. We did not have overflight permission, and President Reagan sent in F-111s and pounded Libya, and we have not heard from Qadhafi since.

   The smoking gun argument, we all understand that what we are faced with, with Saddam Hussein--not Iraq, but Saddam Hussein--is an ability to do things that would not maybe kill 100 or 200 people but maybe a million people. Rich Butler, probably the most revered of the former weapons inspectors, said one warhead like they have in Iraq filled with 140 liters of VX gas could kill a million people. We have to reprogram ourselves and think in those terms.

   If you did need a smoking gun--which we did not have to have--if you did, last night we learned there are smoking guns. He had denied he had the very missiles he sent over and used last night.

   The last argument was there had to be a link with Osama bin Laden. We have to again reprogram ourselves because what we are dealing with now is a terrorist. This is not a war on Iraq, it is a liberation of the Iraqi people who have been oppressed and tortured for decades. There is a war involved. It is not a war on Iraq, it is a war against terrorism. This war was declared by our President at 8:30 in the evening on the fateful September 11. He said this is a war on terrorism. You go after the biggest terrorists.

   A lot of people do not think of Saddam Hussein as a terrorist, but if you measure the severity of terrorism by the number of people someone has tortured or murdered, certainly no one can hold a candle to Saddam Hussein. In 1983, Human Rights

   Watch and Amnesty International documented that he executed 8,000 of his own Kurdish citizens aged 13 and older. In 1985, it is reported they executed 315 children between the ages of 8 and 17. In 1988--we all remember this very well because that is when he set a record. We believe it is an all-time record that holds to this day. He murdered, in one day, 5,000 of his own citizens using a chemical that produces the most torturous kind of death, where your eyeballs are fried and your lungs are actually fried. There was mustard gas and other chemicals. That was in 1988. Then they talked about the 60 villages--Human Rights Watch--attacked with mustard gas. Women, children, it did not make any difference.

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   In 1990, Amnesty International listed 38 new methods of torture used by Saddam Hussein including mock execution, piercing of the hands with electric drills, electric shocks, sexual abuse, lowering the victims into baths of acid.

   Then in 1999, at a peaceful demonstration, security forces fired into a crowd of protesters, killing hundreds of civilians, including women and children. In the year 2000, they were looking for a new way to punish those who might be suspected of saying something about Saddam Hussein. They had been sending them into prison, but the prisons were full, so the new method was to pull the tongue out and tear the tongue off.

   In 1991, with a person I think very highly of, we made the first trip into Kuwait. It was so close after the war was over that they did not know the war was over and the fires were still going in the oil fields. The guns were still being fired. Alexander Haig, I, and a guy named Sauda Saba who was the Ambassador from Kuwait to the United States of America, we went in there to see what it was like. Sauda Saba had his 7-year-old daughter with him. He was of royalty. We went to their house where we found out that Saddam Hussein had used his house as one of the headquarters. We went through the house and found that the young 7-year-old girl's bedroom had been used as a torture chamber. We found body parts and hair stuck to the walls.

   I don't believe there is a terrorist anywhere who could be more dangerous than Saddam Hussein. That is what this is all about. This is not a war on Iraq, it is the liberation of the people of Iraq. I honestly believe the dancing in the streets after Afghanistan will not hold a candle to the dancing in the streets we will see not just in Baghdad, but in all the oppressed surrounding nations.

   I yield the floor.

   The PRESIDING OFFICER. Who yields time?

   Mr. LEVIN. I yield 3 minutes to Senator Bingaman.

   Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I appreciate my colleague from Michigan yielding me 3 minutes to speak briefly on this issue.

   War in Iraq is underway. It is appropriate that we in the Senate suspend our other work to observe the start of this very serious undertaking. I am very glad to support the resolution the majority leader and the Democratic leader have come together on in stating our solidarity with our servicemen and servicewomen.

   We want the brave men and women who wear the American uniform and who have been sent to this region on behalf of our country to know they have the complete, unwavering support of the Senate.

   I also state my sincere hope, and the sincere hope, I am sure, of all of us, that this conflict will be short lived and that our mission will be accomplished with the fewest possible casualties to our countrymen and to the noncombatants in Iraq.

   Prior to the announcement by President Bush on Monday that he had determined to begin a military action this week, many of us expressed our disagreement with the policy and action of the President. In my case, and I am sure in all cases, those opinions were honestly arrived at and were strongly felt. But at this point, now with the war having begun, our focus needs to be on prevailing in this conflict. None of us doubts that we will in fact prevail. I join with all other Senators in the fervent hope that the war will be short, the lives lost on both sides will be few. I further hope that out of this we will arrive at a just and peaceful and prosperous future for the Iraqi people and for the region and for the entire world.

   I yield the floor.

   The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. CRAPO). The Senator from Virginia.

   Mr. WARNER. At this time I yield as much time to Senator Ensign as he may require.

   The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Nevada.

   Mr. ENSIGN. Mr. President, I thank the distinguished chairman of the Armed Services Committee for yielding time. I appreciate his great service to this country leading that important committee.

   I rise today to talk about the situation in Iraq. There are some people to pay tribute to. It is important that we as Senators show our troops what they mean to us. It is important that all Americans show the people in uniform how much we appreciate what they are doing, and also to show their families how much we appreciate what they are doing.

   I want to start by sharing a thought about a great leader who has shown what it means, in the face of adversity, to lead our country through a difficult time. That leader is our President, George W. Bush. I am very proud that he is, indeed, our Commander-in-Chief at this time. I have heard from so many service men and women how proud they are right now, not only to be Americans, but proud that he is our Commander-in-Chief during this difficult time--not only for the war on Iraq, but for the global war on terrorism, which we are still engaged in and probably will be for some time.

   I also want to say thank you as an American to a great friend; somebody who is defining what it means to be a statesman. That is Tony Blair from Great Britain. Tony Blair obviously leads the equivalent of what would be a different party than mine. But Tony Blair has shown, in the face of incredible public opposition, and especially opposition within his own party, what it means to stand up and be a leader.

   Leaders are expected to lead, and Tony Blair and George W. Bush are doing exactly that right now.

   I also thank and take pride in Nellis Air Force Base and the people stationed there, and the people stationed at Fallon Naval Air Station, and also the Nevada National Guard, all of whom have sent people to the Middle East to engage in this conflict. We as Nevadans say thank you for their service, and take great pride in that they are over there, serving our country and protecting our people.

   I also think it is appropriate for us, whenever possible, as Americans, to adopt the families of our service men and women. Back in 1991 my brother-in-law was sent over to the Persian Gulf. He was stationed in Bahrain during the Persian Gulf war. I remember it was a very stressful time for my sister because she could not have any contact with him. She had no idea where he was, what he was doing. It was incredibly difficult for her, as it was for many other families. That is what a lot of families of our service men and women are going through right now, the uncertainty of whether their loved ones are going to be coming home or not. We all in this country need to wrap our arms around them and also lift them up in prayer, when we rise in the morning or go to bed at night, when we get on our knees and look to the Almighty.

   There is no question that America has the finest military in the entire world. Nobody's military might is anywhere close to what we have today. But I remind all Americans that no matter how strong our military is, without divine providence--as the entire history of our country has recognized--without divine providence, it doesn't matter how superior your military is. That is not enough to prevail in a war. As Abraham Lincoln said during the Civil War, when asked which side of the conflict God was on, he replied: I don't know. I just want to try to be on God's side.

   I think it would be easy for us as Americans to be arrogant and proud and boastful about how great we are and how right we think we are. I think the appropriate approach is for us to go and pray we are right, and look to what the morals are that we stand for and the principles on which this country was founded. If we apply those principles, those principles that I believe were handed down by the Almighty, then we will be on His side.

   I believe we are in a just cause. It is time we stand up and support the men and women in uniform and do everything we can as individuals to let them know, while they are there, that they are in our thoughts and our prayers. And then, when they come home, we should never, ever again allow what happened in this country when our troops came home from Vietnam. Whenever our troops come home from now on, they should be celebrated, held high as heroes, because we owe our very freedoms to the sacrifices they are willing to make.

   I stand with other Senators today to say to our troops: Thank you. Godspeed. And God bless.

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   I yield the floor.

   Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I thank the Senator from Nevada for his remarks, most particularly the concluding remarks about that period during Vietnam. It was my privilege to serve along with the men and women in that period as Secretary of the Navy. I remember so well how they were received back home, in sharp contrast to the generation in which I had a modest association in World War II. With open arms were they welcomed home. I share your sentiments.

   I yield the floor.

   Mr. LEVIN. I yield 5 minutes to Senator Bill Nelson.

   The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Florida is recognized.

   Mr. NELSON of Florida. Mr. President, I have gone around to the National Guard units that have been activated in my State of Florida, and I have gone to the Reserve units, merely representing our grateful Nation. These people have gone off to war, seeing tearful spouses, with the uncertainty of their economic future. And that economic uncertainty is not only from their standpoint as a guard or reservist, but it is also from their employer's standpoint. And yet we see a unity and a coming together that is part of the strength of the character of us as a people.

   It is with profound gratitude and humility that I express my support for this resolution for a fighting force of men and women who are not only in the military all over the world but who are civilian as well.

   In fact, some of our civilian agencies today were in Iraq, prior to the military units arriving there, along with other clandestine military units performing enormous intelligence functions for us. It is a profound gratefulness that this Nation expresses to our military and civilians.

   I particularly wish to call to the attention of the Senate paragraph (5). Paragraph (5) of the resolution states that Congress:

   Joins all Americans in remembering those who lost their lives during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm in 1991, still those missing from that conflict, including Captain Scott Speicher, United States Navy, and the thousands of Americans who have lost their lives in terrorist attacks over the years, and in the Global War on terrorism. .....

   I take the time to call paragraph (5) to the attention of the Senate because of CPT Scott Speicher, the first American pilot shot down on the first night of the gulf war. Through a series of mistakes, we said he was dead. He was listed as ``killed in action.''

   Years later, the Department of Defense changed his status to ``missing in action.'' And years later, the Department of Defense changed his status to ``missing, captured,'' which is ``POW.''

   I have seen the early evidence, which has been made public, that a defector, who was corroborated--indeed, he passed a lie detector test, as well as being corroborated on other evidence--actually drove Speicher from near the crash site to a place near a hospital, and picked him out of a lineup of photographs.

   I have seen more recent information from a variety of sources that leads me to believe that Scott Speicher is alive. That opinion, by the way, is shared by my colleague, Senator PAT ROBERTS of Kansas, now the chairman of the Intelligence Committee, who has been, along with former Senator Bob Smith, unrelenting--all of us--in the pursuit of a clarification on the status of Scott Speicher.

   It is my opinion he is alive. So we have gone to our commanders, and they have assured us, we have gone to the civilian agencies, and they have assured us: Scott Speicher is at the top of their list of priorities as we are now going into Iraq, to go and find him.

   And, oh, what a day that would be, if he is alive, and if America can correct the mistake that our DOD made and bring that American pilot home.

   The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator's time has expired.

   Mr. NELSON of Florida. Mr. President, I yield the floor.

   The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Virginia.

   Mr. WARNER. On my time, Mr. President, I commend my colleague, a strong member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Senator PAT ROBERTS, likewise, who is on our committee, and Senator Smith, a former member of the committee.

   These three Senators have involved our committee in this as well. And, I think, heretofore, the Intelligence Committee has taken a very active role.

   Senator Levin and I are both appreciative of their efforts on this issue on behalf of the committee. We thank them.

   I yield such time to the Senator from Montana as he may require.

   Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I wonder if the Senator will yield, just for a unanimous consent request.

   I ask unanimous consent that after the Senator has concluded, Senator Kennedy then be recognized for 6 minutes.

   Let me add my thanks also to Senator Nelson of Florida for the incredible tenacity he has shown supporting Captain Speicher.

   The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The Senator from Massachusetts will be recognized for 6 minutes following the Senator from Montana.

   The Senator from Montana.

   Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I thank my good friend from Virginia. Yes, we have been conversing and friends ever since the day I got here, he being an old forest firefighter in Montana when he was younger, and his hair was dark. He was a dashing young man on an adventure West.

   We have also discussed this subject a lot of times in private conversations. Whether it has been on the Big Horn River or on a golf course, I have always enjoyed those discussions.

   I gave much thought on what I was going to say today. The Senator and I also shared the same uniform, the U.S. Marine Corps, at different times however. He was a good deal ahead of me.

   We know what goes through the minds of the young men and women who are confronted with war. Of all the options we have in the world, war is the absolute last one. For our young men and women over there, they have to carry the responsibility.

   But the real weight may be on the shoulders of our Commander in Chief and on the Prime Minister of England, Mr. Blair, for they have stood strong for what is right.

   We can also call this the commitment of America. It is a commitment to our history. Looking in our history books, we see man can be ruled by many things, by weapons, by sheer military power, by biological weapons, and chemical weapons.

   But 9/11 taught us something else, that we can be ruled by fear. Fear is still the greatest motivator of man. Americans have always accepted a certain level of risk for freedom. Sometimes we have accepted a high level of risk for freedom. And we are called upon to do that again. It is not a great option, but it is one that America has assumed the responsibility of since the birth of this country over 200 years ago.

   Mr. President, 9/11 proved that we can be ruled by fear. Even a sniper in the Washington area was a reminder that, again, we are curtailed and ruled by fear. It was by only one person, that person not known.

   But this one is known.

   We commend the President. We pray for our troops as they carry out a great tradition. Diplomatically, the timing is never right. It is never right. But I would say this: We could kick this can down the road. Maybe we could have kicked the can down the road in 1940. Would we have forgotten Pearl Harbor as fast as we think some people have forgotten the Twin Towers? No matter what we do, some generation of America is going to have to deal with this cruel man.

   We stand in support. We stand in prayer for those who lead, those who commit, and those who do.

   I yield the floor.

   Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, the hour of 4 o'clock, at which time the votes begin on the budget resolution, is fast approaching. I have several Senators indicating a desire to speak on my side. I ask them to limit their remarks now to about 3 1/2 minutes, thereabouts. I think the Senator from Massachusetts should be recognized.

   The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, the Senator from Massachusetts is recognized for 6 minutes.

   Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, the best of America--our men and women in uniform--are now in harm's way in a

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   Many Americans, including many of us in Congress, opposed this war. But today and throughout this conflict, we are united in support of the men and women of our Armed Forces. We pledge to do all we can to support them.

   We honor them for their patriotism, their courage, their willingness to endure hardship and sacrifice and to give the last full measure of devotion to the country they love and the country that loves them. In the eloquent words of the Navy Hymn:

O Trinity of love and power!
Our brethren shield in danger's hour;
From rock to tempest, fire and foe,
Protect them wheresoe'er they go.

   Our thoughts and our heartfelt prayers are also with our President, as he makes the difficult decisions that will determine the course and success of the war that now begins. May God's wisdom guide our President and protect him in the days that lie ahead.

   In Massachusetts, we especially honor and remember the thousands of men and women on active duty from communities throughout our state who are now at war, and the thousands as well who have been activated from the Reserve and the National Guard--from the Barnes and The Otis Air National Guard Bases, from the Westover Air Reserve Base, from Camp Edwards, from the Devens Reserve Forces Training Area, from so many other places in our State. We pray for them all, and we admire them for their dedication to our country and their brave service.

   President Bush spoke for all Americans last night in expressing support for our forces. He is right to prepare our country for what may be a long and difficult struggle, and he is right to do his best to safeguard the innocent people of Iraq. We join our President in pledging our commitment to victory--to disarm Saddam and to bring freedom and opportunity to all the people of Iraq.

   In Congress, we will do all we can to give our servicemen and women the complete and full support they must have in order to prevail in this war and come safely home. We will do all we can to care for their families while they are apart. We will do all we can to protect the American people on the home front. We will do all we can to help the people of Iraq, and enable them to rebuild and renew their ancient land and rejoin the family of nations. And we will continue in the years to come to do all we can here at home to uphold the same great fundamental values for which our troops are now risking their lives--for opportunity and hope--for liberty and justice for all.

   In his great poem, ``Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight,'' Vachel Lindsay wrote:

It is portentous, and a thing of state,
That here at midnight, in our little town
A mourning figure walks, and will not rest,
Near the old court-house pacing up and down,
Or by his homestead, or in shadowed yards
He lingers where his children used to play,
Or through the market, on the well-worn stones
He stalks until the dawn-stars burn away.

A bronzed, lank man! His suit of ancient black,
A famous high top-hat and plain worn shawl
Make him the quaint great figure that men love,
The prairie-lawyer, master of us all.

He cannot sleep upon his hillside now.
He is among us--as in times before!
And we who toss and lie awake for long
Breathe deep, and start, to see him pass the door.

His head is bowed. He thinks on men and kings.
Yea, when the sick world cries, how can he sleep?
Too many peasants fight, they know not why,
Too many homesteads in black terror weep.

The sins of all the war-lords burn his heart.
He sees the dreadnaughts scouring every main.
He carries on his shawl-wrapped shoulders now
The bitterness, the folly and the pain.

He cannot rest until a spirit-dawn
Shall come--the shining hope of Europe free:
The league of sober folk, the Workers' Earth,
Bringing long peace to Cornland, Alp and Sea.

It breaks his heart that kings must murder still.
That all his hours of travail here for men
Seem yet in vain. And who will bring white peace
That he may sleep upon his hill again?

   I withhold the remainder of my time.

   The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Virginia.

   Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I yield to the Senator from Tennessee.

   The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Tennessee is recognized.

   Mr. ALEXANDER. I thank the Senator from Virginia.

   Mr. WARNER. I ask the Senator if he could limit his remarks to about 3 1/2 minutes.

   Mr. ALEXANDER. I thank the Senator. Last night, most Americans stayed up late watching for news of the war. Most Senators did, too. This morning, many Americans got up and said a little prayer for the men and women who will be fighting overseas for our country. I suspect most Senators did as well.

   Today, most Americans went about their jobs and the Senate did, too, but our discussions about the budget and our everyday jobs seem a little less important today compared to what our men and women overseas and our Commander in Chief are doing. We pause today to try to show in a united voice the same respect for our President and our men and women who are fighting overseas and our civilians who are involved, to show the same respect for them that they show for our country. The President has shown real courage. He has told us news we really don't want to hear, and he has been calm. He has used restraint, and he has been determined. But today, we think especially of our Armed Forces.

   Tennesseans have a rich history of serving in the armed services. We are the Volunteer State. We earned that name in the War of 1812, in the Mexican War and ever since, and the tradition continues today. Twenty thousand men and women from Fort Campbell have been deployed in the vicinity of Iraq, and another thousand active duty military personnel from across the State as well. More than 4,000 Tennesseans from more than 80 Reserve and National Guard units have been called up. They come from units like the 134th Air Refueling Wing from McGhee Tyson; K company, 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marines in Memphis; and the 3397th U.S. Army Garrison of Chattanooga. They are protecting us from a great threat, and we are grateful to them.

   I hope and trust that we speak with a united voice, not just for this one day. I think of Larry Joyce, who sought me out in Chicago in 1995. He was a Vietnam veteran. His son Casey was killed in Somalia while serving in our armed services. He wanted to make sure that I or anyone else who might serve in public life remembered the lessons of Vietnam and Somalia.

   They were these: First, have a clear objective. Second, have more than enough force to win. And third, have the stomach to see any military action we undertake all the way through to the end.

   Mr. President, we have a clear objective. By 77 to 23, we voted to give the President the authority he exercises today. We would disarm Saddam Hussein, liberate Iraq, and help rebuild a strong democratic Iraq.

   No. 2, we have more than sufficient force to win, maybe more force than has ever been assembled in a military action.

   The question that remains is whether we, not our armed services, but whether we in the Congress and the American people have what we did not have in Vietnam and what we did not have in Somalia, which is the stomach to see our mission all the way through to the end.

   I rise today to join in expressing bipartisan support to our President and our Armed Forces and to hope and trust that we will have the stomach to see this mission all the way through to the end.

   Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that my name be added as an original cosponsor of the resolution.

   The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

   Mr. ALEXANDER. I yield the floor.

   The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Michigan.

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   Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I yield 5 minutes to the Senator from New York.

   The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from New York is recognized for 5 minutes.

   Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I thank my colleague for yielding time. I was on the floor as we began the session this morning. We had the prayer and the pledge, and of course this morning the prayer, by the pastor of St. Joseph's in our neighborhood here in Washington, and the pledge had renewed and deep meaning.

   In terms of the prayer, I pray, too, Mr. President. I pray that our military action in Iraq is swift, is decisive, is successful, and I pray that the number of casualties, both military and civilian, is small.

   I am deeply grateful--we all are deeply grateful--to the soldiers who are overseas. I spoke to departing guardsmen and enlisted men throughout my State of New York, in Canandaigua, Fort Drum, and on Long Island. When I addressed them, I had a lump in my throat because of their sacrifice, their bravery, their humanity, and because so many of them were there with their families before they were getting on planes to go to the Middle East.

   They are part of a grand tradition, a tradition of young men and young women who are willing to sacrifice for the rest of us, and we pray for them. I think all Americans join in that prayer.

   We have so many different views on the issues of the day and on the action in Iraq, but what always happens in this country in time of war is unity and prayer for our fighting men and women occur, and I believe that is what is happening now in this country.

   One last point. I have been asked by so many of my fellow New Yorkers what should they do, being that we have been in the epicenter of terrorism. I say to my fellow New Yorkers, first, you cannot be too careful. If there is anything untoward, report it to authorities. Second, our intelligence, our ability to deal with al-Qaida and other terrorist groups, has vastly improved since September 10, 2001, and I believe New Yorkers should continue to go about their duties, their jobs, their businesses, their daily lives. I gave the advice to my wife and daughters who live in New York City to continue going about their life, and I give that advice to all New Yorkers as well.

   Again, we hope and pray for a quick, decisive, successful military action in Iraq and for minimal casualties, military and civilian.

   I yield whatever time I have remaining to my colleague from Michigan.

   Ms. MIKULSKI. I am proud to rise in support of the resolution supporting our troops.

   America is now at war. My thoughts are with our troops. Our men and women in uniform have my steadfast support. They have my respect, my admiration, and my gratitude.

   Americans have differences over the path that led us to war. Yet Americans are united in support of our men and women in uniform. Each and every member of our military is part of the American family. Their service is a tremendous sacrifice and great risk. These are ordinary men and women called on to act in an extraordinary way. Whatever their nation asks them to do, they will do with bravery, fortitude, and gallantry. All Americans owe them a debt of gratitude.

   The military doesn't just need our thanks; they need our help. We must support them not only with words, but with deeds. That means ensuring that our troops have the best training and equipment. That means standing up for military families. They are facing long separations and terrible worries about the safety of their loved ones. They shouldn't also be facing financial worries. So while we are talking about tax cuts for Joe Billionaire, let's not forget GI Joe and Jane.

   I believe the war started the right way: targeting Saddam Hussein and members of his regime in their bunkers. Saddam Hussein is our enemy, not the people of Iraq.

   Let's not forget why we are at this point: The fault lies squarely with Saddam Hussein. Saddam is dangerous and duplicitous. As part of the gulf war cease-fire agreement, he committed to destroy his weapons of mass destruction. For the past twelve years, Saddam Husssein has ignored UN resolutions by rebuilding his illegal weapons programs. Resolution 1441 gave Saddam Hussein a final opportunity to destroy any prohibited weapons of mass destruction or missiles; to fully report on Iraq's weapons of mass destruction programs; and to cooperate with inspectors to verify compliance.

   I have consistently called for robust multinational action to disarm Iraq. Saddam Hussein is a danger to the world, so the world should share the burden of confronting the Iraqi threat. I appreciate the help and support of other nations, including Great Britain, Australia, and Poland. Other countries are allowing access to territory and airspace, providing logistical and intelligence support, or playing other noncombat roles.

   America must continue diplomacy, even as we continue the war, to expand the coalition of the willing to share the burden of war and to share the responsibility and the economic cost of rebuilding Iraq.

   Now that America is at war, our troops must know: I am on their side. The American people are on their side. The thoughts and prayers of the American people are with the men and women of our military, and with their families.

   God bless our troops, and God bless America.

   Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, with the commencement of engagement by U.S. military forces in Iraq, we stand united in support of the men and women of our Armed Forces. These young men and women representing the best of America are entering into harm's way in a distant land. Whatever our differences on policy, we speak with one voice in supporting our troops. I have no doubt that our military forces will be successful, although we do not now know how quickly or at what cost.

   As do all Marylanders, indeed all Americans, I pray for the safety of our troops and join my colleagues in pledging to them our commitment for the necessary resources and support.

   These brave men and women and their families are in our thoughts and in our prayers. We wish them Godspeed, and their prompt and safe return to our shores.

   I yield the floor.

   Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, my thoughts and prayers are with Iowa families who have loved ones serving their country in the Middle East. When faced with the difficult and sometimes terrible duty of war, the men and women of our armed services have never let us down. We have the best trained soldiers, the best technology, and the best military commanders in the world. I have full confidence in their performance. My hope is for a swift conclusion and a lasting peace in the entire region. It is also my deep hope that innocent civilians in Iraq and the rest of the Middle East suffer a minimum of harm.

   I know the views in the country have been divided as to the need for and the wisdom of this war. Right now, we need to support the men and women who are serving this country. This war and the reconstruction work that follows will not be easy and many of our troops may bravely face risks. They are doing their duty and sacrificing for our security. We need to keep them all in our thoughts and prayers and be fully behind them. That is something on which we can all agree.

   Right now, over 3,200 Iowans are serving: 2,200 in the National Guard, 1,760 are overseas, and over 1,000 in our Reserves here and abroad. We are proud of our Iowa, that Iowans are protecting our homeland.

   In my home State of Iowa, I know there have been some concerns about our vulnerable areas in this time of Washington. I want Iowans to know I will be working with my fellow Senators to ensure our homeland is protected. As our Governor, Tom Vilsack, said today, it will take the resources of our Federal Government to keep our communities safe. I intend to work to make sure Iowans and all Americans have the protections we need here at home.

   Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I rise to express my support for the tens of thousands of brave Americans who are risking their lives at this very hour in a distant land to try to bring some peace and stability to a nation that has been ravaged by a dictator.

   Late last night the President of the United States ordered United States

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   I thank each and every one of them for their service to our State, to our country, and for freedom. I say to them I am proud and honored to represent them in the Senate.

   As is always the case, these young men and women stand ready to obey the orders of the Commander in Chief to take up arms and risk their lives in the defense of all Americans and the values of freedom, liberty, and democracy. I greatly admire the courage and professionalism of our service men and women who are now engaged in this dangerous conflict far away from their homes and their loved ones.

   Americans stand as one in support of these brave individuals. I express my gratitude to the family members of our soldiers, sailors, marines, and members of the Coast Guard. They, more than anyone, understand the sacrifices involved in the service of our Nation.

   War is a treacherous endeavor and we all pray for their safe return. I am confident in the days and weeks ahead America and the U.S. Congress will continue to provide our service men and women the support they deserve and they may need.

   Last fall, I supported President Bush's decision to go to the United Nations and seek the support of the U.N. members to resolve the threat posed by Iraqi weapons of mass destruction and supported the deployment of U.S. weapons inspectors to Iraq to verify peaceful disarmament. I wanted the diplomatic efforts to succeed. I believe President Bush did, as well. Unfortunately, Saddam Hussein obviously did not.

   While there may have been differing opinions on some aspects of our policy toward Iraq, there has been no disagreement that Saddam Hussein is anything but a cruel and murderous tyrant. At a very critical juncture Saddam Hussein chose to impede the work of the inspectors and at every fork of the road he squandered opportunities for peaceful disarmament presented by the international community. Time has run out and we thus find ourselves in this situation.

   My hope is as we begin the reconstruction process, it will be a sense of cooperation internationally on reconstruction. We cannot do this alone. We have to reach out even to those we have had disagreements with to help rebuild Iraq and build the peace and stability of the region. That is critically important for America's security for the 21st century.

   I regret we did not have more time to discuss this and express our views and thoughts. I do not minimize the importance of the budget debate, but this discussion would trump any discussion of a budget issue. Unfortunately, that time is not allocated.

   Saddam Hussein must bear full responsibility for what is about to befall him. He brought it upon himself. I have no sympathy for his plight. The real tragedy is that others may have to suffer for his sins although I am confident that American soldiers will make every effort, use every means of intelligence, and employ all available technology to minimize civilian casualties.

   Would that Saddam Hussein had shown the same regard for his people that our forces will. His record has been the opposite. This murderous tyrant has routinely had his own people tortured, raped, beaten, and executed. In 1988, he ordered the use of chemical weapons against the Iraqi people, killing 5,000 men, women, and children in a single day. Now, he may be ordering his elite troops to use the city of Baghdad as a fortress a human fortress endangering the lives of countless Iraqi civilians.

   It is my hope that United States military action will not only free the world of the dangers posed by Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction, but provide an opportunity for the Iraqi people to free themselves from 30 years of tyranny and oppression, to begin a new chapter in the history of their country.

   The current military action may only last a few days or a few weeks. But in the end, I have no doubt that our American service men and women will prevail in this conflict. However, after we emerge successfully from our military conflict with Saddam Hussein, another challenge will face us the task of establishing a free and stable Iraq. In many ways this is an even more important battle than the one currently ongoing in the deserts of Iraq. And it is a battle that we should not ``wage'' alone. An international coalition of friends, allies, and U.N. humanitarian organizations must be mobilized to share the costs and responsibility for providing humanitarian relief to the Iraqi people, and the larger and more complex reconstruction of Iraqi society.

   The United States is not the only nation that has a stake in rebuilding Iraq. The entire world has a huge stake in getting this right. For only an Iraq that is strong, free, and democratic--only an Iraq that respects the rights of all its citizens only an Iraq that respects the territorial integrity of its neighbors can be counted on to contribute to building a Middle East that is stable and prosperous. That is why I am confident that whatever our past differences may have been, our friends and allies at the United Nations will join with us in this effort.

   Once again let me express my thanks to the American men and women who have put themselves at risk for each one of us. Let me also thank the service members from other nations who have joined with our forces in this endeavor. And let me offer one more prayer for their swift and safe return home once their mission is complete.

   Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I rise today to join my colleagues and all of America in expressing pride in and gratitude to our men and women in uniform. With one voice this Congress honors our troops, and with one mind we pray for their safe return.

   Last night, as we all watched from the safety of our living rooms, our military went to war. Our soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen have left their home country and their home fires to face unknown danger and even death. We cannot be proud enough of these courageous men and women who fight for freedom in Iraq. We cannot be grateful enough to these Americans who are willing to risk their lives for our security.

   We have so many people to thank today: our Active Duty forces who have made it their life work to protect and defend us; our citizen soldiers, the Reserves, and the National Guard who have left jobs in offices and on factory floors, kissed children and spouses goodbye, and donned the uniform of our armed services; our troops' families who daily endure the hardships of military life and today worry and wait for their loved ones to come home.

   In my State of Wisconsin we have had over 2,200 men and women called up for service in the National Guard and an additional 1,357 mobilized from the Reserves, more people than at any time since the Berlin crisis.

   I make special mention of them because they trained in relative anonymity during times of peace. It is only in times of conflict that communities discover how many of their friends and neighbors serve their country quietly, year in and year out. In times of crises they are notable at their absence at scout meetings, church pews, and parent-teacher conferences.

   Last Monday I was fortunate enough to observe the 1158 transportation company at Beloit, WI, as they bravely headed off, leaving behind spouses, children, families, and friends. These soldiers had little time to put their affairs in order before being ordered into harm's way. But there were no complaints and no grumbling.

   The families I met were concerned about the future, were ready to deal with the personal and financial difficulties.

   I was struck to see young children bravely saying goodbye to their parents, without knowing what the future

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   Our soldiers represent the best of the American people and American ideals. While many of us will talk about patriotism and service today, no words can do justice to the burden they have chosen to bear.

   So our hearts, our prayers, and our deepest gratitude go out to them today.

   Mr. ROCKEFELLER. The President has announced that military operations to disarm and liberate Iraq have begun. For those of us who have taken an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution, entering into war is one of the most somber moments we face.

   When the President sends our troops to battle, the stakes are unmistakably clear: our courageous troops are preparing to risk everything so that our society can continue to live in freedom. At a time like this, our Nation should come together as one to support our troops in battle, and to support the Commander in Chief.

   This military action responds to the growing threat to America and our allies posed by Saddam Hussein and his weapons of mass destruction. Here at home and around the world, we have debated how best to disarm Saddam. After 12 years of diplomacy, and 17 different U.N. resolutions, Saddam remains a serious threat to the peace and stability of the region, and to the safety of Americans and our allies.

   I, like most of my colleagues, believed we could not live with this threat to America's security. And so I voted last October to give the President authority to make one final attempt to disarm Saddam through the U.N.--to give diplomacy one last chance to work--and to resort to forcible disarmament if that failed.

   Five months after we passed our congressional resolution, and 4 months after the U.N. Security Council unanimously passed resolution 1441, Saddam has still refused to disarm.

   Now the President has decided, drawing on the authority granted him by the Constitution, by the Congress, and by a series of U.N. resolutions, to send our troops into battle--to forcibly disarm Iraq, end Saddam's rule of terror, and allow the oppressed Iraqi people to have a better life.

   And it is our responsibility, here in America, to come together to show our troops, who are fighting to protect our freedoms, that they have all our support, and that we are praying for a quick and successful campaign.

   I had the opportunity to visit our troops last month in Kuwait, Qatar, and Afghanistan, and had the privilege to meet our fine young West Virginians serving there. I am always impressed by the commitment and professionalism of our Armed Forces--the brave enlisted men and women who have dedicated their skills and energy to safeguarding America's vital national interests, the officer crops who have honed the most awesome fighting machine the world has ever seen, and the reservists and national guardsmen who willingly disrupt their civilian lives when their country needs them.

   To witness their dedication and skill, and their willingness to risk everything to defend the greater good of our Nation, is to be reminded, just as we learned on that fateful September 11, that heroes still walk among us. The Americans who have volunteered to serve in our Nation's Armed Forces are some of the finest individuals our society produces, and we are all in their debt.

   We West Virginians have always been particularly proud that while we are a small State, we contribute a significant share of America's Armed Forces. I have here a list of the West Virginia Reserve and National Guard units that have been called up for service overseas in the past 2 years. I realize I can't read the entire list, but I would like to note that it encompasses 28 units based in West Virginia and nearly 2500 servicemembers, as well as thousands of Active Duty servicemembers who hail from West Virginia. I ask unanimous consent to have this list printed in the RECORD.

   There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as follows:

   West Virginia National Guard & Reserve Units Mobilized Since September 11, 2001

   1. 157th Military Police Company, Martinsburg, WV, 124 personnel.

   2. 152nd Military Police Detachment, Moorefield, WV, 45 personnel.

   3. 1257th Transportation Company, Huntington, WV, 167 personnel.

   4. 463rd Engineer Battalion Detachment 2, Wheeling, WV, 50 personnel.

   5. 554th Adjutant General Company, Ripley, WV, 18 personnel.

   6. 111th Engineer Group Headquarters, Headquarters Company, St. Albans, 88 personnel.

   7. 119th Engineer Company, Clarksburg, WV, 159 personnel.

   8. Detachment 1 1st Battalion 80th Regiment 3rd Brigade, Kingwood, WV, 32 personnel.

   9. Army National Guard Special Operations Detachment E, Moorefield, WV, 27 personnel.

   10. Army National Guard Special Operation Detachment 3, Charleston, WV, 1 personnel.

   11. Special Operations Detachment, Europe Forward 2, Kingwood, WV, 1 personnel.

   12. State Area Command West Virginia Detachment 6, Charles Town, WV, 1 personnel.

   13. State Area Command West Virginia Army National Guard Headquarters, Charleston, WV, 1 personnel.

   14. 1092nd Engineer Battalion, Parkersburg, WV, 522 personnel.

   15. 1863rd Transportation Company, Oak Hill, WV, 68 personnel.

   16. 156th Military Police Department, Monaville, WV, 45 personnel.

   17. 261st Ordnance Company 1st Platoon Medical Lift, Charleston, WV, 44 personnel.

   18. 261st Ordinance Company Detachment 1 Ammunition Modular, Kenova, WV, 12 personnel.

   19. 261st Ordnance Company Detachment 2, Kenova, WV, 12 personnel.

   20. 321st Ordnance Battalion Headquarters Headquarters Company, Charleston, WV, 52 personnel.

   21. 363rd Military Police Company Combat Support Group, Grafton, WV, 180 personnel.

   22. 459th Engineer Company Heavy Boat Detachment 1, Bridgeport, WV, 10 personnel.

   23. 459th Engineer Company Detachment 3, Bridgeport, WV, 173 personnel.

   24. 304th Military Police Company, Bluefield, WV 180 personnel.

   25. 351st Ordnance Company, Romney, WV, 153 personnel.

   26. 811th Ordnance Company, Rainelle, WV, 118 personnel.

   27. 2nd Division Special Forces Battalion 19th Special Forces Group 1st Special Forces, Camp Dawson, WV, 9 personnel.

   28. 300th Chemical Company, Morgantown, WV, 113 personnel.

   Mr. ROCKEFELLER. A war will always involve risk and uncertainty. That is especially the case when we are dealing with a dangerous dictator like Saddam Hussein, who has used illegal; weapons before, and who knows that in this instance, war will not end until he is removed.

   We should never be over-confident, and must go into this knowing that our troops will face real risks. But we can take heart that never, in the history of mankind, have there been Armed Forces better prepared to meet the challenges that come their way.

   In skill, in technological sophistication, and in fighting spirit, our troops continue to set new benchmarks the world has never seen. Never in modern history has there been a fighting force so clearly superior to all its competitors.

   We now stand at an important threshold in our Nation's history, and our national security. The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction has altered America's security forever. Before 2001, we believed that we could only be threatened by another superpower--and the demise of the Soviet Union made us think that threats to America's homeland had more or less vanished. On September 11, we learned how wrong we were.

   In the coming years, the spread of weapons of mass destruction--to rogue governments, and to terrorist groups in the developing world--will be America's most important national security challenge. And increasingly, the focus of our diplomacy and defense alliances will shift away from our traditional focus on Europe to respond to these emerging threats from developing countries in Asia, in Africa, and even in Latin America.

   Indeed, that is already the case today: besides Iraq, the biggest security threats currently facing America aren't major power rivalries but illegal proliferation of weapons of mass destruction by states such as North Korea and Iran. This threat isn't unique to the United States--but our global leadership role makes us a particularly tempting target for the disaffected and resentful.

   We cannot allow foreign terrorist or rogue states to threaten our society

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   And it will require broad international support--the kind that helped us win the cold war--rather than working alone, or begin dismissive of our allies because they haven't yet recognized the magnitude of the shared threat.

   War is always a tragedy. To put human lives at risk--both military and civilian--can only be considered when all other reasonable options have failed.

   And in that regard, the significance of this conflict is not just in disarming Iraq. While that is the primary goal, this mission also demonstrates to the world that the spread of weapons of mass destruction is such a grave threat to our security that we Americans are prepared to use the full force of our militry--our fine and brave men and women in uniform--to stop it.

   And we are joined in that understanding by the British, and the Australians, and the poles, and many, many allies around the world.

   Perhaps some other countries haven't reached that understanding yet. Or they continue to believe the diplomatic processes developed for a cold war environment must be maintained at all costs. But this new threat must be addressed.

   If our troops find chemicals or biological weapons in Iraq--and I am confident they will--it will demonstrate to the skeptics around the world that we were right about the threat, and that we had to take action before these illegal weapons were used. And I hold out great hope that a swift victory in Iraq will pave the way for the U.S. and our allies to come together around a strategy to deal with the spread of weapons of mass destruction elsewhere.

   I hope, too, that a swift victory in Iraq will provide an opportunity for the U.S. and our allies to come together to support the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq. As the President has said, we bear no ill-will to the Iraqi people, only to the brutal and corrupt regime that governs them. The reconstruction of Iraq will be a long, costly complicated task, but a vital one--for it will ensure that Iraqis, now and in the future, will understand that America and its allies have come as liberators, not conquerors.

   Those are longer-term concerns, and we will have to attend to them. For now, though, we must focus on the task at hand, which is the prompt, safe and humane execution of the military operation the President has commenced.

   I join my fellow West Virginians in telling our troops they have our support, our gratitude, and our prayers. They represent the best of our society, and we know they will perform in a manner that makes us all proud.

   Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I rise today with America at war against the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein, to vote in favor of the concurrent resolution introduced by my colleagues, commending the President and America's Armed Forces.

   This is a moment of utmost seriousness and solemnity, without doubt the most critical time of my decade in the Senate.

   During this difficult time, America and the world must know that this Chamber stands firmly united behind our men and women in harm's way, men and women willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our liberties and our lives. Our hopes and our prayers are with them and their families.

   I would also like to recognize those now engaged in combat from my home State of California.

   More than 102,000 Californians have been sent to the gulf from every branch of the military--Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, and Marines, along with 13,000 reservists. This is the largest number of Americans from any State fighting in this war.

   And while many people in California are opposed to this war, I would urge all of them to unite behind these courageous men and women and their families here at home.

   I have had questions about how we got to this point. I would have done it a different way, and I will have more to say about that at the appropriate time.

   But now, as we unite behind our military and our Commander in Chief, the United States must be prepared for the long term. Winning the war will mark but the first step.

   Once the shooting stops and the dust clears, we must be equally committed to winning the peace in Iraq, and to see that longstanding ethnic rivalries not be allowed to surface. Failure to do so would, at the very least, negate any military success.

   This means, of course, that the United States must take the lead in rebuilding the Iraqi nation, in stabilizing its new government, in providing interim security to prevent the emergence of tribal hostilities, and to see that Iraq is no longer a producer of weapons of mass destruction.

   Winning the peace in Iraq is absolutely critical. Indeed, winning the peace means: reducing the likelihood of a possible clash of civilizations, pitting the United States and our allies against the Muslim world; reducing the incidence of renewed terrorist attacks, both here and abroad; increasing the chances of achieving lasting peace in the Middle East--of resolving the Israeli-Palestinian crisis; allowing us to recommit ourselves to the still uncertain future of Afghanistan and the government of Hamid Karzai; and ensuring that the United States will persevere, sooner rather than later, in the overall war on terror.

   So, as the courageous men and women of the American military set out to remove Saddam Hussein from power, risking their very lives for us and the liberties we must never take for granted, the focus of our thoughts and our prayers are with them.

   We wish them every success and a speedy return home to their families. For those that may fall in battle and pay the highest price, however, their sacrifice must never be forgotten.

   And the best way to honor them is by winning the peace in Iraq--by helping the Iraqi people rebuild their lives, and by demonstrating to Muslims everywhere that the United States, while a powerful nation, is also motivated by a sincere desire to one day see the entire world safe, prosperous, and free.

   This, after all, is what this conflict is all about, and why we must prevail.

   Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, as this conflict begins, all of us pray for a swift and decisive victory, and the safety of our brave men and women in battle.

   North Dakota has sent thousands of sons and daughters to wage this fight at home and abroad, including more National Guard members per capita than any other State.

   Along with the men and women from the airbases in Minot and Grand Forks, North Dakotans will bear a heavy burden in this conflict.

   I know they will be strong. I pray they will be safe.

   I have great confidence that the fourteen B-52s deployed from Minot Air Force Base and their crews will turn in a brilliant performance, once again demonstrating the awesome power and effectiveness of these reliable planes and their expert crews. B-52s made a huge contribution to our success in Afghanistan, helping to turn the tide quickly against the terrorists. They were decisive in the last gulf war, and I know they will again play a key role.

   The Grand Forks base is operating at a greater tempo than at any time in its history, flying its massive tankers and providing the air bridge that allows our forces to operate against an enemy halfway around the world.

   Our National Guard members have been called up to bases inside the United States, ready to support operations on the ground, and we hope, the operations that will be necessary after a victory. The Guard units have been drawn from Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Edgeley, Grafton, Rugby, Wishek, Cando, Carrington, Mayville, Oakes, and Wahpeton. There is hardly a town in my State that has not seen at least one of its citizens called up to serve. They have left their jobs and their families to do their duty in defense of the Nation.

   I could not be more proud of the tremendous contribution the men and women of my State are making, their dedication and their patriotism.

   I had hoped for a peaceful solution, but today we are at war. Like all Americans, my thoughts and prayers will be with our troops and our allies in the difficult hours to come. My greatest hope is that the conflict will be settled quickly, with minimal loss of life,

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   As the conflict continues, I stand with my colleagues united behind our troops here at home and overseas. With my family and my colleagues I pray for the men and women who now stand in harm's way. May they be granted a swift victory, and may the sacrifices of this war lead to a safer and more peaceful world.

   Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, On Monday, March 17, the attention of the world was focused on Washington, DC and the White House. The President was about to speak to the Nation about Saddam Hussein and the refusal of the Government of Iraq to live up to its signed agreements and the resolutions of the United Nations to eliminate their stock of weapons of mass destruction. In the 15 or so minutes that followed, our President made clear his determination to take action and resolve the situation in Iraq. He said he was going to end forever the evil presence of a dictator in Iraq who had done nothing during his reign but a