[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 43 (Tuesday, April 19, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 19, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]


                              {time}  1250
 
  PUBLIC HEARINGS REQUESTED ON SOMALIA INCIDENT AND TRAGEDY OVER IRAQ

  (Mr. BARTLETT of Maryland asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BARTLETT of Maryland. Mr. Speaker, when U.S. military personnel 
enter into dangerous situations, they do so with the full awareness 
that their lives are on the line. Our brave men and women give 
literally their all for us--and they should expect no less from us. 
Army Specialist Jeffery Colbert--a constituent of our district--was on 
one of the two Blackhawks shot down over Iraq last week by our own 
military personnel. It is a tragedy beyond words for our Nation--but 
mostly for the families left to cope with the tragedy.
  We cannot undo what happened last Thursday, but I believe there are 
steps we can take to prevent future needless deaths. It is becoming 
frighteningly clear that something is going wrong with the leadership 
our soldiers are receiving.
  Last year, when our servicemen were killed in Somalia, I stood in 
this well and asked for open hearings so the mistakes that lead to the 
death of those men would not be repeated. Today, I rise again to ask 
that public hearings be held on the Somalia tragedy and also on the 
tragedy of last week.
  These brave military personnel gave literally their all for us. When 
young men and women die needlessly we cannot respond to those deaths 
with silence. Once again, I ask that the House Armed Services Committee 
hold public hearings on the Somalia incident and the incident last 
week.

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