Henry A. Waxman, JD Biography

"The Bush Administration's Iraq policy has been grounded in secrecy, deceit, and politics. Some suspected that a year ago; I refused to believe it. But now it is inescapable...

I voted for the Iraq Resolution last year. I relied on the President's representations about the imminent threat Iraq posed to the United States. And I relied on the statements other senior Administration officials-including the Vice President-made regarding Iraq's nuclear capability.

I won't make that same mistake again. They have squandered their credibility and the normal deference we give to any Administration, Republican or Democratic.

I say all this knowing full well we must finish what we started in Iraq. I feel that as strongly as any member of the House. As one who voted for last year's Resolution, I feel a responsibility to make sure we honor the sacrifice so many have already made by achieving a democratic and safe Iraq. I feel a special obligation to our troops and to make sure they have everything they need to be as safe and effective as possible."

[Editor's Note: Prior to Henry Waxman's 2003 Con position statement made above, his position was Pro the US attack on Iraq as indicated in his 2002 House floor speech below.]

"Today...it is the Congress that is voting first on a resolution of war...

This is why we have to get this resolution right. And this is why I strongly support the substitute, which emphasizes action by the UN and the international community...

In light of all this, if the UN does not act, it not only leaves Saddam unchecked but it undermines, perhaps fatally, the purpose of having or supporting a UN in the first place.

If the UN does not or cannot act, the substitute does nothing to compromise the ability of the Congress to authorize the use of force to protect America’s interests - unilaterally if necessary - if we believe it necessary at a later time...

Mr. Chairman, the goal I want is decisive UN action and the effective disarmament of Iraq. The substitute achieves that goal and should be approved. But if it is defeated, I believe supporting the President’s proposal brings us closer to realizing that goal than defeating the Resolution."