[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 140 (Friday, September 30, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 30, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]


                              {time}  1050
 
                       BRING THE TROOPS HOME NOW

  (Mr. PARKER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PARKER. Mr. Speaker, I have always been willing to give the 
sitting President much latitude in his role as Commander in Chief--even 
when I am in disagreement. However, I am gravely concerned about our 
Nation's escalation of military activity in Haiti--particularly in the 
absence of decisive leadership and in light of the inaccurate 
information that this administration provides.
  Shortly after the American occupation of Haiti, Secretary of Defense 
William Perry advised Members of this body that less than the 
originally planned complement of 15,000 troops would be needed to 
secure Haiti and restore their democratically elected government. 
However, news reports today are confirming that over 20,000 American 
soldiers are now on Haitian soil. If there has been a change in 
circumstances that necessitates additional troops, President Clinton 
needs to advise this body, and the American people, of that change.
  I am extremely concerned about mission creep in Haiti. Additional 
troops only add to my concerns. It is imperative that we get our young 
men and women out of harm's way.
  If our efforts in Haiti are going to be multinational in scope, we 
should be replacing our troops daily with a true international force. 
Our troops do not belong in Haiti. On behalf of every American who is 
putting his or her life on the line, I ask that the President bring 
them home now.

                          ____________________