Badger Senators Propose Resolution Supporting Removal of Saddam

Janesville (WI) Gazette ^ | Tuesday, March 11, 2003 | Associated Press

[Chummy]

Senators propose resolution supporting removal of Hussein; Assembly can't vote on it

(Published Tuesday, March 11, 2003 08:32:55 AM CST) Associated Press

MADISON, Wis. -- Two state senators proposed a resolution Monday that would show the Legislature's support of removing Saddam Hussein from power in Iraq if approved by both houses.

But Assembly rules prohibit the body from voting on such resolutions.

Joint resolutions like the one proposed by Sens. Bob Welch, R-Redgranite, and Dave Zien, R-Eau Claire, are common in the Legislature and can touch on a variety of topics, from honoring someone to urging the federal government to take action.

But the Assembly earlier this year prohibited the body from voting on any resolution that expresses a position to a federal agency, official or branch of government. That ban would apply to the senators' resolution, said Kurt Simatic, spokesman for Senate Pro Tempe Steve Freese, R-Dodgeville.

Freese oversees debate on the Assembly floor.

The joint resolution is written to express the Legislature's support of President George Bush, his cabinet, and the men and women of the armed forces for their decision to remove Hussein from power.

If approved by both houses, a copy would be presented to the president, each member of the Wisconsin congressional delegation and the immediate family of Wisconsin residents mobilized for military action in the Middle East.

Welch said he didn't think the Assembly ban would apply to his resolution but did not plan to change it.

"If they want to turn down a resolution backing our troops, they can go right ahead," Welch said.

http://www.legis.state.wi.us

[Cultural Canary]

On Wisconsin!

[lorrainer]

But Assembly rules prohibit the body from voting on such resolutions.

Oh, sure, but we have a State Muffin!