[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 131 (Monday, September 19, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


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

 
                          RESOLUTION ON HAITI

  Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. President, and Members of the Senate, there will be 
no rollcall votes this evening.
  As a result of the unanimous-consent agreement just reached, the two 
amendments to the nomination which was pending before the Senate have 
been withdrawn.
  I have proposed to the distinguished Republican leader and our 
colleagues that the Senate proceed to a resolution dealing with the 
situation in Haiti.
  During the day today, the House leaders, Democratic and Republican, 
have been meeting on the subject of a resolution, and following the 
meeting earlier this morning I have been discussing that matter with a 
number of my colleagues, as well, including, but not limited to, the 
distinguished Republican leader.
  The agreement reached in Haiti yesterday and signed by former 
President Carter on behalf of President Clinton states, in paragraph 
numbered 7:

       It is understood that the agreement is conditioned on the 
     approval of the civilian Governments of the United States and 
     Haiti.

  President Clinton, as the Chief Executive and Commander in Chief, has 
expressed his support for this agreement, which I have noted was 
negotiated and entered into in his behalf. But I and many other 
Senators, a large number of whom have expressed their views to me 
today, believe that under the circumstances and in view of that 
language, it is appropriate that the Senate express its view with 
respect to the agreement as well.
  Therefore, Mr. President, I have drafted and provided to the 
distinguished Republican leader such a resolution. Senator Dole has 
appropriately advised me that he wants the opportunity to consult with 
his colleagues before expressing his view on this resolution and, 
therefore, I expect that I will hear back from him tomorrow.
  Since a number of Senators have had the opportunity to review this 
resolution--I might add, as have the House leaders--and, as a result, 
it has become public, I believe it appropriate to ask that the 
resolution be printed in the Record so that all Senators have the 
opportunity to review that which, until now, several Senators have 
reviewed.
  Mr. President, so that this is and can be a public matter, I present 
the resolution and ask unanimous consent that it be read.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The clerk will read the resolution in its entirety.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution commending the President of the United States 
     and others for their efforts to peacefully restore democracy 
     in Haiti and supporting the United States Armed Forces now 
     engaged in the mission in Haiti.
       Whereas on September 18, 1994, an agreement was reached in 
     Port-au-Prince, Haiti, the purpose of which is to foster 
     peace in Haiti, to avoid violence and bloodshed, to promote 
     freedom and democracy, and to forge a sustained and mutually 
     beneficial relationship between the governments, people, and 
     institutions of Haiti and the United States;
       Whereas certain military officers of the Haitian armed 
     forces are willing to consent to an early and honorable 
     retirement in accordance with U.N. Resolutions 917 and 940 
     when a general amnesty is voted into law by the Haitian 
     Parliament, or October 15, 1994, whichever is earlier;
       Whereas the agreement will permit the Democratically 
     elected government of Haiti to resume governing: Now 
     therefore be it
       Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate that
       (1) The President of the United States is commended for his 
     leadership and determination in his effort to restore 
     democracy and stability to the Haitian people.
       (2) Former President Carter, Senator Nunn and General Colin 
     Powell are commended for their efforts in negotiating the 
     agreement.
       (3) The American people and the Congress support the United 
     States Armed Forces now engaged in the mission in Haiti.

  Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. President, the resolution, as read, is brief, 
simple, and direct. It is to the point in referring specifically to the 
agreement which has been reached and, in fact, tracks the language of 
the agreement in several paragraphs and then simply commends the 
President of the United States, the former President, and those who 
participated in the negotiation over the past weekend; and expresses 
the support of the Congress and the American people for the men and 
women of our armed services now engaged in this mission.
  I hope that we will be able to debate and vote on this matter 
tomorrow and, as I indicated, I am awaiting a response from our 
colleagues in that regard.

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