Put Political Motives Aside


by U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, of Iowa


 

For the last year, most of America has fixated on homeland and national security. The terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 dispelled notions of America’s invincibility and placed greater demands on the federal government to protect and defend American citizens.

 

The terrorists sought to unravel our American way of life. They sought to pit fear against freedom in the hopes we would live in fear in the future. But Americans take pride in the foundations of our democracy, from political and religious freedoms, to civil liberties and free enterprise. We aren’t about to relinquish our God-given rights to evil doers.

 

While the devastating attacks rendered infinite grief to the victims’ loved ones, the terrorists failed to conquer the American spirit. I mourn with the rest of America the loss of thousands of innocent lives. And as a federal lawmaker, my resolve is stronger than ever to win the war on terrorism, protect U.S. citizens, secure the homeland, and defend American values and our way of life. That includes keeping the economy strong and growing.

 

One year after the attacks, the war on terrorism forges forward. With most of the al-Qaeda terrorist network disbanded in Afghanistan, the White House recently suggested a link exists between terrorist networks and Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. Other evidence indicates Saddam has failed to comply with UN resolutions imposed after the Persian Gulf War a decade ago, namely his quest to build up weapons of mass destruction.

 

If the United Nations wants to stay relevant in the 21st century, it must insist on full compliance. Failure to follow-up and ensure full compliance will jeopardize the organization's credibility. In a region where peace and harmony are hard to come by, it’s critical the world community of nations exercise its full legal and moral authority to promote law and order.

 

If international efforts fall short, the United States can’t sit on the sidelines and let a tin-horn dictator ignore the rule of law. This would send a dangerous precedent to a volatile region of the world. And Saddam has a poor track record. If you give an inch, he’ll take a mile and encourage other like-minded rogues to go along with his lawlessness.

 

It’s important for Washington to work together when it comes to national security. There’s no greater role for the federal government to hold. When accusations fly about partisan motives during times of war, I’m afraid it damages our credibility and makes it harder for the U.S. to make our case with our allies. In my book, electioneering does not have a seat at the table when it comes to national security.

 

With just a few weeks left on the legislative calendar, Congress is likely to debate giving the President its seal of approval on a resolution regarding Iraq. Meanwhile, opportunities have been squandered in the U.S. Senate to tend to other important business. The laundry list of unfinished business includes a slew of annual spending bills; tax incentives for small businesses to help grow the economy; a prescription drug benefit for seniors struggling to afford their medications; initiatives to capture federal taxes from corporations that flee the United States and set up shop in off-shore, tax-free havens; legislation to tame corporate mismanagement and better protect worker ’s retirement security; and my IOWA bill that would address the Medicare payment inequity facing Iowa hospitals, doctors and other health care providers.

One year ago I was praising the lack of partisanship in the nation’s capital in the wake of the terrorist attacks. With precious few days left on the legislative calendar, I urge the Democratic Majority Leader to put public policy over politics. Let’s move ahead and finish the people’s business before Election Day.