Congress gives Bush authority to use force against Iraq

WASHINGTON -- Congress voted solidly to give President Bush the broad authority he sought to use U.S. military force to confront Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, handing him a crucial national-security policy victory.\nThe Democratic-led Senate approved the war resolution 77-23 early Friday, wrapping up an often contentious week-long debate. The House voted for the resolution on Thursday, 296-133.\nBecause the Senate approved the House-passed measure without changing a word, it now goes directly to Bush for his signature.\nThe resolution gives Bush the power to use U.S. military force to enforce United Nations orders that Saddam dispose of his weapons of mass destruction. It encourages Bush to seek U.N. cooperation in such a campaign but does not require it.\n"The House of Representatives has spoken clearly to the world and to the United Nations Security Council: The gathering threat of Iraq must be confronted fully and finally," Bush said after the House vote.\nThe president has stressed, however, that he has made no decision on launching a military strike against Iraq.\nSen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., the most outspoken Senate foe of the resolution, accused Congress of "handing the president unchecked authority."\nWhile Bush hailed the strong showing, a majority of House Democrats voted against the resolution -- even though their leader, Dick Gephardt of Missouri, was one of its authors.\n"The issue is how to best protect America. And I believe this resolution does that," Gephardt said.\nThe Senate approved the same resolution after voting 75-25 to choke off delaying tactics. It voted down a series of efforts to weaken or block the resolution, as did the House.\nThe administration got a big boost when Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle announced he was putting aside his misgivings to support the president.\n"I believe it is important for America to speak with one voice," said Daschle, D-S.D. "It is neither a Democratic resolution nor a Republican resolution. It is now a statement of American resolve and values."\nBut some influential Democrats remained opposed.\n"The power to declare war is the most solemn responsibility given to Congress by the Constitution," said Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass.