BILL REQ. #:  H-0831.1 

Read first time 01/24/2003.   Referred to Committee on State Government.

     TO THE HONORABLE GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, AND TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE AND THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, AND TO THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES, IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED:
     We, your Memorialists, the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Washington, in legislative session assembled, respectfully represent and petition as follows:
     WHEREAS, The issues between Iraq and the world community have not proven to be irresoluble by traditional diplomatic efforts; and
     WHEREAS, No evidence has been presented that Iraq poses an imminent threat to the security of the United States or the safety of its citizens; and
     WHEREAS, Hastily implemented unilateral United States military actions would risk the deaths of thousands of Iraqi civilians without guaranteeing the safety and security of United States citizens, nor would such unilateral actions guarantee the installation of a free and democratic Iraqi government; and
     WHEREAS, A preemptive United States military attack would violate international law and our commitments under the United Nations Charter and further isolate the United States from the rest of the world; and
     WHEREAS, The massive sums of tax dollars required for a United States-led war in Iraq would be far better spent addressing crisis conditions in Washington and other states, would purloin billions of dollars from the United States economy, compromise our current action in Afghanistan, and require years of nation-building activities in Iraq; and
     WHEREAS, The Bush administration has failed to articulate a clear strategic objective or outcome of a military attack against Iraq, and such an attack fails to enjoy the support of many of our important allies; and
     WHEREAS, The members of the Washington State Legislature oppose a preemptive United States military attack on Iraq unless it is demonstrated that Iraq poses a real and imminent threat to the security and safety of the United States; and
     WHEREAS, The members of the Washington State Legislature support a return of United Nations weapons inspectors to Iraq, enhanced by sufficient police support to guarantee unfettered access to all targeted sites;
     NOW, THEREFORE, Your Memorialists respectfully urge the United States to work through the United Nations Security Council and reaffirm our nation's commitment to the rule of law in all international relationships.
     BE IT RESOLVED, That copies of this Memorial be immediately transmitted to the Honorable George W. Bush, President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and each member of Congress from the State of Washington.