[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 132 (Tuesday, September 20, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 20, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                  UNANSWERED QUESTIONS REGARDING HAITI

  (Mr. BALLENGER asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BALLENGER. Mr. Speaker, while we commend the efforts of former 
President Jimmy Carter, Gen. Colin Powell, and Senator Sam Nunn in 
dodging a bullet in the occupation of Haiti, let us not forget that 
American soldiers are still sitting on a powder keg.
  The President has yet to clearly outline our objectives in Haiti and 
most importantly set a date for the return of our troops. We must not 
forget the lessons of Somalia, it is much easier to step into a 
quagmire like Haiti then to get out. And most importantly, is a mission 
of nation building worth the cost at all?
  Besides the unclear mission of our troops, there is the question of 
our defense budget. During a period when this administration is 
drastically cutting our defenses, does it make sense to expend precious 
and limited resources in a Caribbean country of little importance to 
national interests or security?
  Mr. Speaker, there are many questions to be answered regarding our 
involvement in Haiti, and with American men and women in a potentially 
explosive situation, we deserve clear decisive answers.

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