Bush sends Iraq resolution to Capitol Hill

President Bush transmitted his expected resolution to Capitol Hill Thursday authorizing the use of force against Iraq.

The proposed language consists of a long list of indictments against Iraq, including its violation of numerous United Nations Security Council resolutions, followed by a short statement permitting military action.

The proposal's second and final section, titled "Authorization for use of United States Armed Forces," states:

"The president is authorized to use all means that he determines to be appropriate, including force, in order to enforce the United Nations Security Council Resolutions referenced above, defend the national security interests of the United States against the threat posed by Iraq, and restore international peace and security in the region."

White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer today indicated that although Bush will be "receptive" to ideas from Congress, the president does not expect "fundamental changes" to his proposed resolution.

But Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., cautioned Bush to keep Congress in the loop as he pursues possible military action against Iraq.

"There has to be ongoing consultation with Congress," Daschle told reporters today. "That shouldn't be the last word from Congress and it shouldn't be the final overture from the White House. We're in this together and we're going to have to work together."

Daschle was scheduled to meet with Democrats Thursday to discuss the resolution. He expressed a strong desire to debate a single resolution, but acknowledged it was possible for other senators to draft competing resolutions.

Bush has selected a bipartisan "working group" of mostly veteran House lawmakers to help him move the resolution through the House. The group, which met with Bush Thursday at the White House, includes a top GOP vote counter, House Chief Deputy Majority Whip Roy Blunt, R-Mo., and Reps. Howard Berman, D-Calif., Richard Burr, R-N.C., Norman Dicks, D-Wash., Mark Kirk, R-Ill., John McHugh, R-N.Y., Sue Myrick, R-N.C., Robert Andrews, D-N.J., Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and Bud Cramer, D-Ala.

All but Cramer were at Thursday's meeting. According to descriptions provided by several of its members, the group will serve as an extra set of eyes and ears for the White House, finding out what type of information legislators need to support the president and arranging White House sessions for lawmakers who request it. Fleischer said a similar group will likely be constituted.