By Mark Scott
Washington, D.C. – Both houses of congress have approved President George W. Bush's controversial plan to use force against Iraq, if necessary.
Early Friday morning the U.S. Senate voted 77 to 23 in favor of a resolution that gives the President the power to wage war against Iraq if necessary.
New York Senators Hillary Clinton and Charles Schumer both voted yes.
During floor debate, Senator Clinton said it was the "hardest decision" she had ever made.
The Senate vote followed approval by the House Thursday.
A majority of Western New York's congressional delegation voted against Thursday's House resolution that gives President Bush the authority to use force against Iraq.
Republican Amo Houghton voted no as did Democrats John LaFalce and Louise Slaughter.
Houghton said he made his decision after talking with members of the military and the National Security Council
Houghton's fellow Republicans Jack Quinn and Tom Reynolds voted in support of the House resolution on Iraq.
Quinn said the resolution is a necessary tool in the war on terrorism.