http://www.house.gov/kucinich/press/pr-020719-militaryaction.htmJuly 19, 2002
Kucinich: US Should Not Take New Military Action Against Iraq
Recent published reports have indicated that the Administration is planning a 'first strike' invasion of Iraq with as many as 250,000 US troops with the purpose of toppling Saddam Hussein. Some reports have indicated such an attack could occur before the November Congressional elections.
In response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, the House passed a resolution, on September 14, 2001, authorizing the use of force against those determined to be responsible for the attacks. However, the authorization of force was limited to those determined to be responsible for the attacks of September 11, 2001.
Today, Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH), Ranking Democrat on the House Government Reform Subcommittee on National Security, Veterans Affairs and International Relations, issued the following statement:
"The Administration's unilateral first strike policy, and its harsh rhetoric against Iraq, has very serious ramifications for not only Iraq and the middle east region, but on the carefully constructed alliances upon which the US relies. Pre-emptive military action in Iraq would only destabilize the region and place at risk the lives of those American men and women who would be called to action. It is important that the United States work in coordination with the international community to contain Iraq, and not proceed unilaterally with an unprovoked war.
Although, the Administration has failed to establish a clear link between the attacks of September 11th and Iraq, recent press accounts indicate that the Administration is considering an attack, before the November elections. I would like to remind the Administration of Article I, Section 8, which clearly states Congress, has sole authority to declare war. It is my strong belief that US policy and actions must be made carefully, according to the Constitution that we, in Congress, and the President have sworn to uphold. There is no room for pre-emptive military action in a democratic society which relies upon its Constitution for guidance in domestic and foreign affairs."
http://www.house.gov/kucinich/press/pr-020926-warvote.htmSeptember 26, 2002
Kucinich and Tauscher: War Vote Should Happen After Election
Reps. Kucinich and Tauscher Send Letter to Colleagues
To Have Vote on War After November Elections
Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) and Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher (D-CA), today, circulated a letter among their colleagues stating that a vote on Iraq should occur after the November Congressional elections.
The letter states:
"As the greatest power on earth and the only great power to have made support for democracy a central tenet of our foreign policy, it is incumbent upon us to address matters of national security and decisions through the reasoned and deliberate process afforded us by our Constitution. This becomes particularly important when these decisions could possibly mean putting our young service men and women in harm's way. This is not a process that can be rushed for the sake of political expediency.
"The upcoming election is changing the nature of the debate over Iraq. The war has become a political issue in House and Senate campaigns. Every recent statement made about the war by the Administration and Congressional leaders is now being analyzed in terms of the impact on the election.
"The American people are poised to elect a new Congress in 41 days. The Congress that will face the consequences of war in Iraq should be the one to make this decision and take this vote.
It is not in the best interests of our nation, nor is it in the best interests of either party, for us to challenge each other's patriotism or our devotion to duty. Such conflict creates an image of instability to our allies and encourages our adversaries. Despite our differing views regarding Iraq, we should attempt to preserve the spirit of unity which was exemplified by our coming together after September 11, 2001."
http://www.house.gov/kucinich/press/pr-021003-warresolution.htmOctober 3, 2002
Statement of Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich on War Resolution
This resolution gives authority to the President to act prior to and even without a UN resolution, and it authorizes the President to use US troops to enforce UN resolutions even without UN request for it. This is a violation of Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which reserves the ability to authorize force for that purpose to the Security Council, alone.
This resolution is the same authorization that the President originally sought. Many members of Congress in both parties objected to previous language, which is still present in this resolution.
Further, the UN resolutions, which could be cited by the President to justify sending US troops to Iraq, go far beyond addressing weapons of mass destruction. These could include, at the President's discretion, such "relevant" resolutions "regarding Iraq" including resolutions to enforce human rights and the recovery of Kuwaiti property.
While these changes are represented as a compromise or a new material development, the effects of this resolution are largely the same as the previous White House proposal.
In conclusion, this resolution does not represent a genuine multilateral approach to solving the conflict in Iraq. It authorizes a unilateral, go-it-alone military attack. Furthermore, it violates international law and U.S. obligations under the UN charter. Lastly, it does not put any reasonable limitations on the use of military force against Iraq. Rather, it gives the President broad discretion to send troops to Iraq.
http://www.house.gov/kucinich/press/pr-021003a-oppositiontowar.htmOctober 3, 2002
House Opposition to War Grows Largest Gathering Of House Members Yet Announce Opposition to War Resolution, More Expected to Join Next Week
Twenty-five Members of Congress, led by Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH), today, announced their opposition to the War Resolution presented to Congress yesterday by the Administration.
"While these changes are represented as a compromise or a new material development, the effects of this resolution are largely the same as the previous White House proposal," stated Kucinich. "This resolution does not represent a genuine multilateral approach to solving the conflict in Iraq."
"In the week to come I think you will see many members of the Democratic Caucus begin to question the wisdom of this resolution," continued Kucinich. "I think you will see many Democrats vote against this resolution."
As a vote nears on the House floor, next week, today represented the largest gathering of Members opposed to war. Members present, today, announced wide spread opposition to war in their districts, and urged constituent to continue to call Congress and urge Members to vote no.
Kucinich was joined today by Reps. C. Brown, S. Brown, Capuano, Christensen, Clayton, Conyers, D. Davis, DeFazio, Doggett, Farr, Filner, Jackson-Lee, Kaptur, Moran, Olver, Rivers, Sanders, Serrano, Shakowsky, Solis, Tubbs-Jones, Waters, Watson, and Woolsey.
http://www.house.gov/kucinich/press/pr-021007-presaddrtonation.htmOctober 7, 2002
Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) Reaction to the President's Remarks
Leader of House Opposition Says Administration Has Failed To Make Case For A Preemptive Strike
"The Administration has failed to make a case for a unilateral and preemptive strike on Iraq. War is simply a failure of diplomacy.
"The United States must continue to work with the international community to ensure that weapons inspectors are allowed into Iraq. The Administration's stated policy of 'regime change' is counterproductive to efforts to disarm Iraq and restore stability to the region.
"The resolution, presented to Congress by the Administration, gives authority to the President to act prior to and even without a UN resolution, and it authorizes the President to use US troops to enforce UN resolutions even without UN request for it. This is a violation of Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which reserves the ability to authorize force for that purpose to the Security Council, alone.
"The resolution does not represent a genuine multilateral approach to solving the conflict in Iraq. It authorizes a unilateral attack. It violates international law and U.S. obligations under the UN charter. It does not put any reasonable limitations on the use of military force against Iraq. It gives the President broad discretion to send troops to Iraq.
"The United States risks losing our moral authority as a beacon of democracy worldwide. A preemptive strike would send a very dangerous signal to India and Pakistan, Russia and Georgia, China and Taiwan, and North and South Korea.
"The United States must work with the international community to rid Iraq of any weapons of mass destruction that it may have. We must work with the United Nations to ensure that UN weapons inspectors are granted unfettered access to ensure that Iraq is disarmed.
"The debate this week in the House will be a historic moment for our nation. A preemptive strike on Iraq will set a new direction for our foreign policy and send a dangerous signal to the world community.
"If the United States proceeds with a unilateral preemptive attack, as the Congressional Resolution states, then we will have taken upon our nation an historic burden of committing a violation of international law. Our nation has traditionally defended democracy. A unilateral strike would mark America as an aggressor. We would then forfeit any moral high ground we could hope to hold."
http://www.house.gov/kucinich/press/pr-021008-debateoniraq.htmOctober 8, 2002
Floor Statement Of Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich
As the House of Representatives begins a historic debate on a resolution authorizing a preemptive strike for the first time in our nation's history, Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH), leader of the House opposition to the resolution, gave the following statement on the House floor today.
"O say, does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
"America let us remember on this day the connection between freedom and bravery, that to preserve our freedom we must be courageous.
"Let no fear, no threat obscure our vision and lead us down the dark path of preemptive war against a people who have not attacked us.
"Let us be guided by the truth, the truth which shall set us free, the truth which keeps us free.
"Let us lift this nation up into the light of peace. Into the eternal promise where we are all one. Where nation shall not take up arms against nation. Where we shall turn our swords into plow shares our spears into pruning hooks.
"America has a higher calling. Our founders calls us on this day to defend our country by defending universal truths, by defending international justice, and by defending the very spirit of our Constitution, which calls us to form a more perfect union with each other and with the world."
http://www.house.gov/kucinich/press/pr-021009-intelligencequestions.htmOctober 9, 2002
Kucinich: New Intelligence Reports Raises Substantial Questions
Helps Growing Opposition To War In House
A CIA letter, released yesterday, has raised serious and substantial questions about the rush to war Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) said, today, at a press conference. The letter, sent by CIA Director Tenet on Tuesday, states that unprovoked by the US, Iraq is unlikely to initiate a chemical or biological attack against the United States.
"With less than twenty-four to go before the vote, this report raises substantial questions," stated Kucinich. "Less than twenty-four hours after the president addressed the nation, on Monday, the CIA communicated to the Senate information which is directly contradictory. You have to wonder whether the President is getting all the information he needs from his advisors."
Yesterday, Kucinich, who has been leading opposition to the war in the House, released a whip count that stated that 100 Members of Congress will vote against the war resolution.
"These contradictions have raised questions in the minds of Members of Congress and stopped the momentum which the Administration has tried to build," continued Kucinich. "I believe today, in light of these new findings, the number opposed to war will grow."
http://www.house.gov/kucinich/press/pr-021009a-debateonwarresolution.htmOctober 9, 2002
Floor Statement of Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich
Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH), leader of the House opposition to the resolution, gave the following statement on the House floor today during general debate on the war resolution:
Yesterday students held a peace rally on the West front of the Capitol. It may have been the first rally on the Capitol grounds in opposition to war with Iraq. I attended and I heard representatives of America's youth asking: Why:
Why war against the people of Iraq?
Why assert military power which threatens innocent civilians?
Why war to settle differences?
Why separate our nation from the world community?
Why not give peaceful resolution a chance?
I looked at the faces of the young people at the peace rally. Fresh faces, hopeful, optimistic, and challenging. Soon the voices of our youth will be heard across the nation. And we should pay them heed. They will be heard on campuses, in town halls, in marches. They will be raised to challenge and to confront senseless violence, mindless war, the death of innocents, the destruction of villages to save villages. Voices will be lifted up in urgency because the future knows when the place it needs to build could be destroyed. The future knows skepticism when promises of peace are wrapped in fire and brimstone.
Our young people opposing war represent a message from the future America, the America that can be, and with the upwardly spiraling aspirations of millions of Americans of all ages, the America that will be:
The future America works to make nonviolence an organizing principle in our society.
The future America works to make war archaic.
It is a nation that lives courageously in peace, working to settle differences at home and abroad without killing.
The future America comprehends the world as an interconnected whole. It understands that changes in transportation, communication and trade have made people throughout the world neighbors.
The future America believes that each person is sacred. That each person makes a difference. That each choice we make affects others. That an injury to one person is an injury to all. That justice ought to be international and that vengeance is reserved to the Lord.
It is an America where human rights, and workers rights and environmental quality principles are within the ark of the Human Covenant.
It is a nation where each life is given an opportunity to unfold, where all have access to health care, to higher education, to jobs and to a secure retirement. Where the quality of life matters. Where people build families, build communities, build an American community of our dreams, where our highest aspirations light the way to a better nation and to a better world.
The future America is a nation which works to sustain life on earth. It champions protection of the global environment. It works with all nations to abolish nuclear weapons, chemical weapons and biological weapons.
It is a nation which preserves the heavens for the restless human soul. And it rejects putting weapons in space because it knows the kingdom that will come from the stars should bring eternal peace, not war.
While some voices clamor for war, a future America looks for deeper unity of all people worldwide and seeks not empire but harmony.
So to you, young America, I sing a hymn of praise because while some may want to send you marching off to fight yesterday's wars, you are advancing from the future, reminding us that our nation has a higher calling. Reminding us of the America that can be. Reminding us that there has to be a better way. Challenging us to find that better way. Joining with us to make straight the path of democracy.
This is a time for caution as we would face war, but it is also a cause for joy because the same reveille which sounds a battle cry and clangs the tocsins of war, brings forth legions of others enlisted in a holy cause to relight the lamp of freedom in our own land.
So come forth young and old. Prepare for America's future.
http://www.house.gov/kucinich/press/pr-021010-warresolutiondebate.htmOctober 10, 2002
Floor Statement of Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich
Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH), leader of the House opposition to the resolution, gave the following statement on the House floor today during general debate on the war resolution:
More than two millennia ago the world began a shift from the philosophy of an eye for an eye. We were taught a new gospel of compassion, of doing unto others, as you would have them do unto you. It is that teaching, that faith in compassion that has sustained the human heart and this nation. I believe, as did Washington, and Lincoln, that America has been favored by divine Providence. But what if we lose our connection to our source by an abuse of power?
We are at a dangerous moment in human history when twenty centuries of moral teachings are about to be turned upside down, instead of adherence to the golden rule, we are being moved toward the rule of liquid gold: Do onto others before they do onto you.
No longer are we justified by our faith, we are now justified by our fear. Iraq was not responsible for 911, but some fear it was. There is no proof Iraq worked with Al Queda to cause 911, but some fear it did.
It is fear that leads us to war. It is fear which leads us to believe we must kill or be killed. Fear leads us to attack those who have not attacked us. Fear which leads us to ring our nation and the very heavens with weapons of mass destruction.
The American people need the attention of their government today. People who have worked a lifetime are finding the American Dream slipping away. People who have saved, who have invested wisely, are suffering because of corruption on Wall Street, the failing economy, and the declining stock market. People have lost their homes, lost their jobs, lost their chances for a good education for their children. The American Dream is slipping away and all the people hear from Washington is war talk so loud as to drown out the voices of the American people calling for help.
Seventy years ago Franklin Roosevelt said, "We have nothing to fear but fear itself", calling America to a domestic agenda. A New Deal for America. Faith in our country calls us to that again. Faith in our country calls us to work with the world community to create peace through inspections not destruction. Faith in our country calls us to use our talents and abilities to address the urgent concerns of America today. Let us not fear our ability to create a new, more peaceful world through the science of human relations. Faith America. Courage America. Peace America.
http://www.house.gov/kucinich/press/pr-021010a-oppositiontowar.htmOctober 10, 2002
Kucinich: Large House Opposition to War Resolution Represents Wider Opposition to War Across America
133 Votes Against War Represents Growing Opposition Across the Country To Preemptive Strike Against Iraq
Today's vote in the House of Representatives represents the growing tide of opposition advancing all over the nation against a preemptive war against Iraq, Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) said today at a press conference after the vote.
"The 133 Members of Congress who voted today against this resolution represent the millions of people across the country and around the world who do not believe the United States should launch a preemptive attack against Iraq," stated Kucinich. "Today's vote is a result of millions of people calling Congress and telling Members that this war is wrong."
Earlier, Kucinich, who lead opposition in the House to the resolution, stated on the House floor,
"The American people need the attention of their government today. People who have worked a lifetime are finding the American Dream slipping away. People who have saved, who have invested wisely, are suffering because of corruption on Wall Street, the failing economy, and the declining stock market. People have lost their homes, lost their jobs, lost their chances for a good education for their children. The American Dream is slipping away and all the people hear from Washington is war talk so loud as to drown out the voices of the American people calling for help."
Joining Kucinich today at the press conference following the House vote were Reps. Baldwin, Conyers, D. Davis, Doggett, Filner, Hinchey, Inslee, Jackson-Lee, Kilpatrick, Lee, McDermott, Sanders, Schakowsky, Serrano, Solis, Tubbs Jones, and Woolsey.
http://www.house.gov/kucinich/press/pr-021011-occupationofiraq.htmOctober 11, 2002
Kucinich: Congress Did Not Authorize Military Occupation of Iraq
Seizure of Iraqi Oil and Colonization of Iraq Raise Questions About Administration's War Plan
Recent news reports that the Administration plans to seize Iraqi oil and use the money to set up a military government in Iraq raise serious questions of the Administration's intentions in the region, stated Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) today.
"Congress did not authorize the colonization of Iraq," stated Kucinich, leader of the House opposition to the war resolution. "Congress did not authorize the seizure of Iraqi oil. These reports released the day after the Congressional vote, raise some very serious questions about the Administration's intentions for the region, and completeness of their disclosures to Congress."
"I believe had the Administration fully disclosed their plans, before the Congressional vote, there would have been a much different outcome," continued Kucinich. "The resolution passed yesterday by Congress authorized enforcement of UN Security Council resolutions, not colonization."
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