News From…
Congressman Dennis Cardoza
18th Congressional District of California
cardoza meets with secretary of state powell |
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Expresses Support For Administration's Position on Iraq |
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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 9, 2003 |
CONTACT: JENNIFER WALSH (202) 225-6131 |
| WASHINGTON – Today Congressman Dennis Cardoza (D-Atwater) took part in a Congressional briefing with Secretary of State Colin Powell to discuss national security issues, including the conflict in Iraq, North Korea, the ongoing war against global terrorism and the likelihood of nuclear proliferation in Russia and the former Soviet Republics. The meeting was the first national security meeting for newly elected members of the 108th Congress, including Cardoza. "I was pleased to meet with Secretary Powell and to discuss the status of several national security issues," Cardoza said. "As members of Congress, we have an important role in ensuring the security of the American public, which can only be achieved through frank and detailed discussion with the Administration."
With respect to Iraq, Cardoza expressed support for the Bush Administration’s effort to use the United Nations and international pressure to compel Saddam Hussein to comply with international agreements that prohibit Iraq’s pursuit of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons. "Saddam Hussein must understand that the community of nations will not allow him to produce and maintain weapons of mass destruction. We must continue to use international pressure to obtain Iraq’s compliance. War with Iraq should be our last resort, " Cardoza said. "But we must be prepared to act if Iraq fails to cooperate with the mandates of the international community." Cardoza also spoke with Secretary Powell about the threat posed by nuclear weapons in the hands of Al Queda or other international terrorists. "The threat posed by nuclear weapons falling into the hands of terrorists and being used against the United States or our global interests cannot be ignored. We must make sure that our law enforcement and intelligence community have the tools and resources needed to track and apprehend terrorists, then bring them to justice," Cardoza stated. Cardoza also expressed support for the goals in the war on terrorism. Additionally, he expressed understanding for the many national security challenges facing the Bush Administration in dealing with several international conflicts, while also fighting the war on terrorism. "At today’s briefing, I was pleased to hear that the Department of State and Defense are working closely together with other members of the National Security Council to fight the war on terrorism while also addressing other global hot-spots, such as Iraq and North Korea. As a Member of Congress, I will work hard to ensure that they have the tools and resources necessary to do their job effectively," Cardoza concluded. |
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