Statement of the Honorable John D. Dingell
On
Military Action in Iraq

"I am deeply disappointed that the Administration’s diplomatic efforts have failed. Going it alone, without the sanction or support of the United Nations, NATO, or our traditional and regional allies will have terrible consequences for America’s position of leadership in the world.

Regardless of how one feels about the wisdom of the President’s go-it-alone approach, as Americans, we must stand solidly behind our men and women in uniform. As we pray for the security and safe return of all the brave men and women serving in our Armed Forces overseas, they should know they have the full support of the Congress and the American people.

The evil of Saddam Hussein and the necessity of removing Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction has never been in doubt. He is an evil dictator who must be disarmed, and I have no doubt that American military power will prevail. However, preemptive, unilateral military action without international support remains gravely troubling.

The consequences of unilateral action will be far-reaching and serious, potentially jeopardizing the framework of collective security that has existed since the Truman Administration. It will also mean that the United States will bear the costs of the war, the occupation and the reconstruction of Iraq alone."

Editors Note: Congressman Dingell's press secretary added the following statement "The congressman served honorably in the second World War, and supported the first President Bush in the war on Iraq" - 04/02/03