[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 106 (Thursday, August 4, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 4, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
            HAITI: CONGRESS MUST DEBATE U.S. MILITARY ACTION

  (Mr. BARRETT of Nebraska asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BARRETT of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, the United Nations has spoken; 
Caribbean nations have been consulted; everyone, it seems has had a say 
about using United States military force to restore democracy in 
Haiti--everyone except Congress.
  When denied open debate, the people we represent are being denied 
their voice. Congress must have a say whether precious American lives 
should be sent to invade a country posing no apparent threat to our 
national security interests.
  Since the United Nations has acted at the behest of the 
administration and approved the use of military force, it is time 
Congress debate this question. The administration should follow the 
precedent set by President Bush, who sent to the United Nations and 
then to the American people and Congress, before sending troops to 
liberate Kuwait.
  Experience has shown that nation building does not work, but this 
administration has not learned that lesson. Rather, the kids at the 
White House will try to build a democracy by force--at the expense of 
U.S. lives.
  We must have floor debate to give the President support for using 
Armed Forces this Congress has provided, or tell him no, before 
dangerous and deadly steps are taken without popular support.

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