House votes 296-133 to let Bush go to war in Iraq

Eight days after the White House sent its draft language to Capitol Hill, the House voted on whether to hand President Bush the authority to invade Iraq. At 3:05 p.m. on October 10, 2002, the House passed the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution, 296-133. Republicans backed it almost unanimously, 215 to 6, while Democrats split, 81 in favor and 126 opposed. The measure cited Iraq's alleged weapons programs and ties to terrorist groups, along with its defiance of UN resolutions, as grounds for action…