[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 146 (Saturday, October 8, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 8, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
       LIMITED AUTHORIZATION FOR UNITED STATES-LED FORCE IN HAITI

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                               speech of

                         HON. RICHARD H. LEHMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 6, 1994

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.J. Res. 416) 
     providing limited authorization for the participation of 
     United States Armed Forces in the multinational force in 
     Haiti and providing for the prompt withdrawal of United 
     States Armed Forces from Haiti:
  Mr. LEHMAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to express my disgust at the 
willingness of this body to jeopardize the lives of American soldiers 
for the purpose of gaining a political advantage.
  Though I have publicly stated that I opposed the invasion of Haiti by 
United States forces, I am not willing to cast a vote which could 
jeopardize the lives of our soldiers simply to gain political cover. 
Whether or not we like it, our troops are in Haiti, and as long as 
United States soldiers are in Haiti we must stand behind them 100 
percent.
  The decision to bring our soldiers home should be based on the advice 
of our military leaders and not politicians who are concerned about 
their own elections. Imposing arbitrary deadlines does nothing but 
undermine our armed forces. The best thing Congress can do is allow our 
military leaders to do their job and bring our soldiers home as soon as 
possible in a safe manner.
  If you are looking to gain a political boost right before the 
election, take the easy vote. By doing so, however, you are risking the 
lives of American soldiers and undermining our military.
  Practice good policy--not partisan politics.

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