[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 135 (Friday, September 23, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 23, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                         THE SITUATION IN HAITI

  (Mr. WALSH asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I was opposed to a United States invasion of 
Haiti and I am opposed to an occupation. There are no vital United 
States interests in Haiti and the cause of democracy is not served by 
putting United States troops on the line, with an unclear mission, and 
changing rules of engagement.
  While I commend former President Carter for his humanitarian concern, 
I cannot condone the idea of bargaining with criminals.
  We got a bad deal. The evil dispensers of hate, rape, torture, and 
other violence quoted by President Clinton are not removed; they are 
not departing--and I remind my colleagues that President Clinton told 
the American people the Carter delegation was going to Haiti for one 
thing: To discuss the terms of the junta's departure.
  And what did we get for risking American lives? Mr. Aristide's 
belated and begrudging thanks
  Many of us thought the days of Americans installing regimes is over. 
If Mr. Aristide can only come to power because of American cajoling and 
promising, then he only retains power as long as America backs him with 
force.
  He loses credibility with his people. And when the troops leave, his 
future is again in doubt.
  Now that we have landed, I have written to the President asking that 
he clarify our mission. I look forward to a response.
  God bless our troops and keep them safe.

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