| * “If Saddam Hussein rejects peace and we have to use force, our purpose is clear. We want to seriously diminish the threat posed by Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction program.” President Clinton, 2/17/1998.
* “Iraq is a long way from here, but what happens there matters a great deal here. For the risks that the leaders of a rogue state will use nuclear, chemical or biological weapons against us or our allies is the greatest security threat we face.” Madeline Albright, Secretary of State, 2/18/1998.
* “Saddam Hussein has been engaged in the development of weapons of mass destruction technology which is a threat to countries in the region and he has made a mockery of the weapons inspection process.” Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D, CA), 12/16/1998.
* “We know that he has stored secret supplies of biological and chemical weapons throughout his country. Iraq’s search for weapons of mass destruction has proven impossible to deter and we should assume that it will continue for as long as Saddam is in power.” Al Gore, 9/23/2002.
* “We have known for many years that Saddam Hussein is seeking and developing weapons of mass destruction.” Senator Ted Kennedy (D, MA), 9/27/2002.
* “Saddam Hussein has shown repeatedly that he cannot be trusted. He has crossed the diplomatic line in the sand again and again and then reneged on his promises.
“The administration (Clinton), with its several military buildups, has threatened, ‘Wolf! Wolf!’ too often and then backed off; this time the wolf should show its claws and teeth.
“The U.S. should strike, strike hard, and strike decisively. In this instance, the administration needs to act sooner rather than later.” Senator Robert C. Byrd (D, WV), 11/13/1998.
* “The last UN weapons inspectors left Iraq in October of 1998. We are confident that Saddam retains some stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons, and that he has since embarked on a crash course to build up his chemical and biological warfare capabilities.” Senator Robert C. Byrd (D, WV), 10/3/2002.
* “There is unmistakable evidence that Saddam Hussein is working aggressively to develop nuclear weapons and will likely have nuclear weapons within the next five years. We also should remember we have always underestimated the progress Saddam has made in developing weapons of mass destruction.” Senator Jay Rockefeller (D, WV), 10/10/2002.
* “Without question, we need to disarm Saddam Hussein. He is a brutal, murderous dictator . . . his continued deceit and his consistent grasp for weapons of mass destruction … So the threat of Saddam Hussein with weapons of mass destruction is real …” Senator John Kerry (D, MA), 1/23/2003.
* “In the four years since the inspectors left, intelligence reports show that Saddam Hussein has worked to rebuild his chemical and biological weapons stock, his missile delivery capability, and his nuclear program. He has given aid, comfort, and sanctuary to terrorists, including al Qaeda members. It is clear, however, that if left unchecked, Saddam Hussein will continue to increase his capacity to wage biological and chemical warfare, and will keep trying to develop nuclear weapons.” Senator Hillary Clinton (D, NY), 10/10/2002. | 
