Mr. Bush again called for the United Nations to enforce resolutions demanding that Iraq give-up suspected weapons of mass destruction.
At a naval base in the southern state of Florida, President Bush said he will use "every ounce" of US power to defeat Saddam Hussein if force becomes necessary to disarm the country.
Because he says the Iraqi leader "is not disarming, he is deceiving," Mr. Bush again called for the United Nations to enforce resolutions demanding that Iraq disarm.
Mr.Bush said,"You have got to decide. If you lay down a resolution, does it mean anything?"
The president said he is optimistic that what he called "free nations" will prevent the United Nations from fading into history as an "ineffective debating society."
Mr. Bush said he would welcome another resolution restating UN demands, but again made clear that he is prepared to act militarily without one.
Russia, China, and France oppose a resolution authorizing force and say weapons inspectors should be given more time to finish their work.