Congress passes Iraq resolution

The US Congress today voted solidly to give President George Bush the broad authority he sought to use military force to confront Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, handing him a crucial national security policy victory

The Democratic-led Senate approved the war resolution 77-23, wrapping up an often-contentious week-long debate. The House of Representatives voted for the resolution yesterday, 296-133.

Because the Senate approved the House-passed measure without changing a word, it now goes directly to Bush for his signature.

The resolution gives Bush the power to use American military force to enforce United Nations orders that Saddam Hussein dispose of his weapons of mass destruction. It encourages Bush to seek UN co-operation in such a campaign, but does not require it.

“The House of Representatives has spoken clearly to the world and to the United Nations Security Council: The gathering threat of Iraq must be confronted fully and finally,” Bush said after the House vote.

The president has stressed, however, that he has made no decision on launching a military strike against Iraq.

Democratic Sen Robert Byrd, the most outspoken Senate foe of the resolution, accused Congress of “handing the president unchecked authority”.

While Bush hailed the strong showing, a majority of House Democrats voted against the resolution – even though their leader, Dick Gephardt, was one of its authors.

“The issue is how to best protect America. And I believe this resolution does that,” Gephardt said.

The Senate approved the same resolution after voting 75-25 to choke off delaying tactics. It voted down a series of efforts to weaken or block the resolution, as did the House.

The administration got a big boost when Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle announced he was putting aside his misgivings to support the president.

“I believe it is important for America to speak with one voice,” said Daschle, a Democrat. “It is neither a Democratic resolution nor a Republican resolution. It is now a statement of American resolve and values.”

But some influential Democrats remained opposed.

“The power to declare war is the most solemn responsibility given to Congress by the Constitution,” Sen Edward Kennedy said. “We must not delegate that responsibility to the president in advance.”

The resolution gives the president wide latitude in defending the United States against the “continuing threat” posed by Baghdad. In a concession to Democrats, it encourages that all diplomatic means be exhausted before force is used, and requires reports to Congress every 60 days once action is taken.

Bush has said he hopes to work with the United Nations, but wanted congressional authority to act independently if necessary. The strong congressional backing he was receiving could bolster US efforts before the UN Security Council.