[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 127 (Tuesday, September 13, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 13, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                   OPPOSING MILITARY ACTION IN HAITI

  Mr. BAUCUS. Madam President, I rise to state my opposition to 
military action in Haiti.
  The Haitian military junta is illegal, it is brutal, and it is a 
gross abuser of human rights. Few people doubt that we do have a long-
term interest in a Haiti which is politically stable, which is 
democratic, whose rulers are not involved in drug trafficking, and 
which does not send refugees across the Caribbean.
  The question, though, is whether an American military invasion can 
create such a Haiti. I believe it cannot. And that is why I oppose it.
  American service men and women are well-trained and brave. If they go 
to Haiti I am confident they will carry out their orders 
professionally, but they will run into difficulty.
  The invasion itself and the initial stages of the occupation will 
probably be relatively easy. ``General'' Cedras and other members of 
the junta will be removed from power and President Aristide returned.
  The problems, however, are likely to come later on. As in Somalia, 
small gangs of Tonton, Macoutes, and other thugs will snipe at American 
soldiers. We will have to retaliate or simply sit there and take it.
  In the long term, the Haitian public, as well as the American public, 
will tire of the occupation, and we will have to bring the soldiers 
home. At that point, Haitians will have to solve the problems 
themselves in their own way. And we have no way to make sure tyranny 
will not return.
  So I think there will be serious practical difficulties as time goes 
by. But most important is that I do not believe an American military 
occupation will solve Haiti's deep-rooted problems.
  The only way to solve those problems is for Haitians to reach a 
political settlement among themselves that allows the country to 
develop a stable democracy. No American soldier or Senator or President 
can make that happen. We can best contribute to the process through 
patient diplomatic efforts.
  Therefore, I share and admire the administration's commitment to 
democracy in Haiti. But I believe we cannot restore democracy at the 
point of a gun. I do not think a military solution to this problem 
exists. Therefore I urge the administration not to introduce any 
American military personnel to Haiti, on our own or with the help of 
neighbors.
  If, however, the administration is determined to invade Haiti, I urge 
that the President seek authorization from Congress.
  My own judgment is that this military action would be a relatively 
small-scale event, similar to the invasions of Panama and Grenada, and 
that authorization is not absolutely mandatory.
  I believe the Constitution and the War Powers Act both indicate that 
this is the right course. Authorization would also provide--as it did 
in the gulf war--a degree of public unity, which is now clearly 
lacking.
  I, myself, would vote against authorizing the use of force in Haiti. 
I urge the administration to avoid it. But if the day comes when we 
must go down that road, I will do what I can to make the effort succeed 
and to bring the troops home quickly.
  Today, however, we still have time to choose another course. I hope 
the President will do so.
  Madam President, I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. MITCHELL. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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