[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 12 (Monday, March 24, 2003)]
[Pages 348-349]
[Online from the Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Letter to Congressional Leaders Reporting on the Commencement of 
Military Operations Against Iraq

March 21, 2003

Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)

    On March 18, 2003, I made available to you, consistent with section 
3(b) of the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq 
Resolution of 2002 (Public Law 107-243), my determination that further 
diplomatic and other peaceful means alone will neither adequately 
protect the national security of the United States against the 
continuing threat posed by Iraq, nor lead to enforcement of all relevant 
United Nations Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq.
    I have reluctantly concluded, along with other coalition leaders, 
that only the use of armed force will accomplish these objectives and 
restore international peace and security in the area. I have also 
determined that the use of armed force against Iraq is consistent with 
the United States and other countries continuing to take the necessary 
actions against international terrorists and terrorist organizations, 
including those nations, organizations, or persons who planned, 
authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on 
September 11, 2001. United States objectives also support a transition 
to democracy in Iraq, as contemplated by the Iraq Liberation Act of 1998 
(Public Law 105-338).
    Consistent with the War Powers Resolution (Public Law 93-148), I now 
inform you that pursuant to my authority as Commander in Chief and 
consistent with the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq 
Resolution (Public Law 102-1) and the Authorization for Use of Military 
Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (Public Law 107-243), I directed 
U.S. Armed Forces, operating with other coalition forces, to commence 
combat operations on March 19, 2003, against Iraq.

[[Page 349]]

    These military operations have been carefully planned to accomplish 
our goals with the minimum loss of life among coalition military forces 
and to innocent civilians. It is not possible to know at this time 
either the duration of active combat operations or the scope or duration 
of the deployment of U.S. Armed Forces necessary to accomplish our goals 
fully.
    As we continue our united efforts to disarm Iraq in pursuit of 
peace, stability, and security both in the Gulf region and in the United 
States, I look forward to our continued consultation and cooperation.
     Sincerely,
                                                George W. Bush

Note: Identical letters were sent to J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the 
House of Representatives, and Ted Stevens, President pro tempore of the 
Senate. An original was not available for verification of the content of 
this letter.