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WASHINGTON, Oct. 10, 2002 – "The gathering threat of Iraq must be confronted fully and finally," President Bush said today. "The days of Iraq acting as an outlaw state are coming to an end."
Bush spoke following the House vote approving a resolution authorizing the use of force against Iraq if it becomes necessary. He thanked the representatives for their bipartisan vote of 296 to 133, and said the House has spoken clearly to the world and to the U.N. Security Council. The Senate is debating the resolution. Bush said he's pleased with the progress the resolution is making in the upper house, and he looks forward to a vote soon. The House vote also sends a clear message to the Iraqi regime to disarm and to comply with all existing U.N. resolutions, Bush said, or it will be forced to comply. "There are no other options for the Iraqi regime," he said. "There can be no negotiations." The United States "is committed to helping make the world more peaceful and more just," Bush said. "We are committed to freedom for all. We're also committed to protecting human dignity and today's vote is an important step toward fulfilling those great American commitments." The president said the House debate was conducted in the best traditions of the Congress. "It was spirited, civil, and it was informed," he said. "This is a debate and a decision that all Americans can be proud of."
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