SRC-JEC H.C.R. 75 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.C.R. 75 By: Eissler (Janek) State Affairs 5/5/2003 Engrossed DIGEST In the wake of the events of September 11, 2001, President George W. Bush affirmed that the acts committed that day against America "will not stand" and since that time has prosecuted steadfastly a war on terrorism in all its forms, across many fronts. The president's patience, leadership, and will to defeat the forces of malevolent fanaticism have hardened this nation's resolve as our troops have struck against Al Qaeda in its former Afghan stronghold and stand ready if further called to root out subverters of peace and brandishers of weapons of mass destruction. Domestically, President Bush has acted with both initiative and organizational acumen toward the precautionary defense of our citizens and their livelihood through the creation of the Office of Homeland Security and its Cabinet-level successor, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Internationally, when others might have preferred to downplay continuing threats to this and other nations and to the freedom and safety of the world's people, he has marshaled formidable military might while awaiting the efforts of inspectors in Iraq, seeking either forcefully or peacefully to hold that nation's regime accountable to disarmament obligations under resolutions of the United Nations. We support the First Amendment to our Constitution and acknowledge that freedom of speech is a cornerstone of our democracy where people have the freedom to express their points of view for and against any action taken by their government. There are many Americans who love this country and support our troops but do not support the administration's policy in Iraq, and this resolution does not question the patriotism of those who exercise their rights under the First Amendment to speak their consciences. Legislators in Texas stand strongly behind the policies of their former governor with respect to these several issues and implore leaders and members of the United States Congress to unify the nation as it confronts the grave problems of national and international security. PURPOSE The following resolutions are submitted: That the 78th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby respectfully urge the Congress of the United States to support President Bush's policies of war on terrorism, homeland security, and disarmament action against Iraq. That the Texas secretary of state forward official copies of this resolution to the president of the United States, to the speaker of the house of representatives and the president of the senate of the United States Congress, and to all the members of the Texas delegation to the congress with the request that this resolution be officially entered in the Congressional Record as a memorial to the Congress of the United States of America.