WASHINGTON, DC - In an effort to protect US troops from unnecessary exposure to harm, US Representative Ron Paul (R-Surfside, TX) on Thursday introduced emergency legislation to stop President Clinton from initiating the use of force in the Persian Gulf. The legislation, HR 3208, was introduced shortly after 2 pm (EST).

"There is absolutely no moral or constitutional reason to go to war with Iraq at this time," said Paul, who served as a flight surgeon in US Air Force during the 1960s. "Our founding fathers made it very, very clear that the power to send our troops into battle is reserved to Congress, and that acts of war should be contemplated only when national security is immediately threatened. To go to war to enforce the dictates of the United Nations, or to play the part of 'policemen of the world,' degrades all who seek to follow the Constitution. I refuse to participate in action which would have even one soldier possibly exposed to injury when there is absolutely no immediate threat to the US."

As the president and others promote this war, Paul noted, they are doing so ostensibly to achieve objectives which are vague and, according to military experts, completely unattainable.

Paul said he has been both dismayed and encouraged to see a "growing disconnect between the people and America's leaders" on the issue of war.

"While the politicians are talking about sending our troops to battle, the American people are becoming more concerned of the unforeseen consequences. The people can see past the bogus rhetoric: Why does the American soldier and taxpayer have to bear the cost of enforcing a UN dictate? It is simply immoral for the US to enter into a war which has no objectives other than to kill people with whom we disagree for the sake of looking tough on the world stage. The only moral war is a defensive war to preserve our national security. "

So far no one has been able to show that Iraq has either the ability or the intentions to attack the United States. "Foolish actions against that nation will only make it more likely that American citizens and cities could be targeted for terrorist or military attacks."

According to the US Constitution, only Congress has the power to declare war. Paul's legislation prohibits Defense Department funds from being used for offensive actions against Iraq without Congress declaring war.

"It's horrible that our nation has reached a point where it takes legislation like this to force the President and the Congress to follow the Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land. I am disgusted by and opposed to any leader who uses lethal force and horrendous weapons against his own people; but until Hussein takes steps against the United States, it is up to the Iraqis to determine what to do with him."

Besides the constitutional and moral arguments against going to war, Paul said the economics of the situation must not be discounted.

"With nearly every nation in the region opposing offensive action against Iraq, a war by this president right now has the potential to destabilize the region, cutting off trade and political relationships."