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Bush Wants Congress to Act Quickly on Iraq Resolution

Aired September 19, 2002 - 11:54   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


FREDRICKA WHITFIELD: The White House resolution on Iraq soon to make its way to Capitol Hill and hot off the press, the exact wording of that resolution and CNN White House correspondent Kelly Wallace has those words for us.
Hey there, Kelly, what's it say?

KELLY WALLACE, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Fredricka, let's give credit where credit is due. Those words to my colleague John King. We can tell you, though, some more details about that exact language. The draft resolution will call for Congress to give the president the authority to use -- quote -- All necessary and appropriate force to do three things. Number one, to force Iraq to comply with all the U.N. resolutions, number two, to defend the national security interests of the United States, and number three, to restore peace and security in the region.

Now you see -- you don't see the words military force specifically. But clearly the implication is this draft resolution would give this president the authority to use military force if diplomatic efforts fail and if he determines that is necessary. We understand that the resolution will also restate that the administration's policy continues to be regime change, bringing about an end to Saddam Hussein's leadership.

The draft language expected to be delivered to Capitol Hill this morning. The debate now on the specifics of that language. In fact, about a dozen House lawmakers here at the White House working with White House aides on this language.

This president wants this on a fast track. He would like a vote in the Congress in a couple of weeks, by early October, hoping that sends a message to the U.N. Security Council.

Fredricka, you heard the president himself say today if the U.N. does not act, the U.S. and its friends will -- Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: All right, Kelly Wallace, thank you very much.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com






Aired September 19, 2002 - 11:54   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD: The White House resolution on Iraq soon to make its way to Capitol Hill and hot off the press, the exact wording of that resolution and CNN White House correspondent Kelly Wallace has those words for us.
Hey there, Kelly, what's it say?

KELLY WALLACE, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Fredricka, let's give credit where credit is due. Those words to my colleague John King. We can tell you, though, some more details about that exact language. The draft resolution will call for Congress to give the president the authority to use -- quote -- All necessary and appropriate force to do three things. Number one, to force Iraq to comply with all the U.N. resolutions, number two, to defend the national security interests of the United States, and number three, to restore peace and security in the region.

Now you see -- you don't see the words military force specifically. But clearly the implication is this draft resolution would give this president the authority to use military force if diplomatic efforts fail and if he determines that is necessary. We understand that the resolution will also restate that the administration's policy continues to be regime change, bringing about an end to Saddam Hussein's leadership.

The draft language expected to be delivered to Capitol Hill this morning. The debate now on the specifics of that language. In fact, about a dozen House lawmakers here at the White House working with White House aides on this language.

This president wants this on a fast track. He would like a vote in the Congress in a couple of weeks, by early October, hoping that sends a message to the U.N. Security Council.

Fredricka, you heard the president himself say today if the U.N. does not act, the U.S. and its friends will -- Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: All right, Kelly Wallace, thank you very much.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com