[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 21, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 21, 1994]



   COMMENDING THE PRESIDENT AND THE SPECIAL DELEGATION TO HAITI, AND 
           SUPPORTING THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES IN HAITI

                                 ______


                               speech of

                           HON. HENRY BONILLA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 19, 1994

  Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, this Congress overwhelmingly approved 
legislation commending President Carter, General Powell, and Senator 
Nunn for achieving an agreement averting a United States invasion of 
Haiti. I join all Americans in my appreciation for their effort. 
However, I voted against this legislation because of my sincere 
concerns that it initiated an occupation of a violent nation. 
Contradictory statements by the various parties to this accord have 
only increased my concerns. I could not in good conscience support this 
legislation which endorses an agreement that results in Americans being 
placed in harm's way.
  The risk facing American forces in Haiti remains real and to date no 
compelling reason has been given for American intervention. Clearly we 
have no national security interest in Haiti and introduction of U.N. 
forces will violate a fundamental tenet of American security, the 
Monroe Doctrine. For these reasons, we will work vigilantly to achieve 
a quick withdrawal of all our forces from Haiti. American lives must 
never be placed at risk unless our national security is at stake.
  We must never forget that politics stop at our borders and we must 
always be united in support for our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and 
marines serving in Haiti. They are taking great risk and deserve our 
full and unqualified support. Let us remember them in our prayers and 
honor them in our actions. God bless our defenders and God bless 
America.

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