[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 144 (Thursday, October 6, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 6, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                                 HAITI

  Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I intend to vote against the pending 
resolution concerning Operation Uphold Democracy. I believe strongly 
that any legislation approved by the Senate should include a date 
certain for military withdrawal. While I support many aspects of this 
resolution, I feel compelled to oppose it as a matter of principle.
  I support our troops in Haiti and am extremely relieved that the 
operation to date has been so successful. However, the situation in 
Haiti remains a dangerous one, and every military analyst I have heard 
agrees that the longer our troops stay, the greater the likelihood that 
they will suffer casualties. I do not want that, and the people of 
California do not want it either.
  I am also concerned about the growing financial cost of Operation 
Uphold Democracy. Some estimates of the total cost range as high as $1 
billion. But with an open-ended troop commitment, we have no way of 
accurately calculating the total cost of the operation. If this 
occupation lasts month after month, costs could soar well into the 
billions.
  I urge my colleagues to oppose the resolution.

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