WEAPONS INSPECTIONS IN IRAQ
(Senate - September 08, 1998)

HON. STROM THURMOND

in the Senate

September 8, 1998

Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, last Thursday the Armed Services and foreign Relations Committees held a joint hearing to hear testimony from a courageous and dedicated American--Major Scott Ritter. Major Ritter began his opening statement by saying,

Last week I resigned my position with UNSCOM out of frustration because the U.N. Security Council, and the United States, as its most significant supporter, were failing to enforce the post-Gulf War resolutions designed to disarm Iraq . I sincerely hope that my actions might help to change things . . .

For nearly three hours, Major Ritter responded to Senators' questions, describing how U.S. policies in support of United Nations Security Council resolutions were not being honestly implemented. He also expressed his views regarding the dangers associated with Iraq's continuing pursuit of weapons of mass destruction and how this Nation's victory in the Persian Gulf war was being squandered.

Major Ritter served as an intelligence officer in the Marine Corps during the Persian Gulf War to liberate Kuwait from Iraq . He became a United Nations inspector in 1991 and acted under international law created by the United States and the United Nations. His job as an inspector was to plan and conduct inspections to eliminate illegal weapons of mass destruction in Iraq . Major Ritter was deeply dedicated to his duties. He explained that his duty as a weapons inspector represented a vital continuation of what many Americans had fought and died for during the Gulf War. Finding and destroying these dangerous weapons is critically important to the United States and our allies. These weapons of mass destruction could one day be used again by Saddam Hussein to attack his neighbors, dominate the region and threaten vital interests of the United States. Major Ritter was dedicated to reducing the threat from such weapons. He earned a reputation as a tough, demanding inspector. Saddam Hussein feared his perseverance and tried to get him removed from UNSCOM and Iraq . I regret that he has resigned. I felt better knowing Major Ritter was on the job. However, Major Ritter found that he was repeatedly and systematically hindered from performing his duties. The very laws he was asked to enforce were not now being supported by the U.N. Security Council nor his own government.

Major Ritter's resignation from his position as an UNSCOM inspector was a selfless and patriotic act. However, his resignation and the reason for his resignation deserve our immediate attention and action. I hope that his personal sacrifice will spur the Congress and the Administration to act with the same courage and urgency as Major Ritter.

During the hearing, Major Ritter was asked all the most difficult questions to challenge his judgment and veracity. His challengers were unsuccessful. He simply told the truth, and the truth is a National embarrassment. Although Major Ritter had the courtesy not to say it, his message was clear. `Congress, I have done my job. It is now time to do yours.' Our job in Congress requires the same courage Major Ritter displayed last week and for the past nine years as a weapons inspector for the United Nations. I am deeply disappointed that such a brave and bright young American was forced into choosing to resign from his duties because of his principles. His actions clearly send us a message. `This Nation's actions must be consistent with its policies.'

I believe that our Nation and the world are far less safe as a result of Saddam Hussein's programs of weapons of mass destruction. We must insist that UNSCOM be allowed to do its job. We in government must say what we mean, and do as we say. We have not been doing this recently in our foreign and national defense policies.

Mr. President, it is now Congress' responsibility to ensure that this happens.

Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.

The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.

Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I understand that my Democratic leader has time, and I wish to use some of that time.

The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, we are in morning business until 12:30. The Democrat leader has time until 11:30 a.m.

Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I ask to address the Chamber without time restraint.

The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.