[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 147 (Tuesday, November 29, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: November 29, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
     LIMITED AUTHORIZATION FOR THE UNITED STATES-LED FORCE IN HAITI

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                               speech of

                          HON. BRUCE F. VENTO

                              of minnesota

                    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 joint resolution (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. VENTO. Mr. Chairman, just over 2 weeks ago, the President ordered 
United States troops to enter the nation of Haiti. The situation in 
Haiti was clear--the people of Haiti were faced with a government that 
forcibly assumed power, committed horrible atrocities on the people of 
that country, and had repeatedly refused any attempts of a peaceful 
return to democracy and the legitimately elected President.
  President Clinton made a bold and courageous decision to return 
democracy to Haiti and end the intolerable conditions created by the 
military regime by whatever means necessary. But much to his credit, 
our solders did not land in Haiti under a hostile situation.
  I have heard many of my colleagues rise and criticize the President 
for his actions. I have heard my colleagues argue that our country has 
no stake in Haiti; that Haiti does not effect us. Well to them I say we 
can either deal with Haiti's problems in the streets of Port-au-Prince 
or the streets of Miami.
  President Clinton went into Haiti with the support of the 
International Community, including the United Nations and Organization 
of American States. He went in to protect the Americans there and to 
restore the democratically elected President. He ensured the safety of 
our soldiers when they entered the country and he has made clear their 
mission in Haiti. It would be reckless to demand that he withdrawal our 
troops before they complete their objective; and very unwise to set a 
arbitrary date a deadline to conclude their mission and withdrawal. We 
are legislators not military commanders.
  Since our troops safely landed in Haiti much has been accomplished. 
The flow of Haitian refugees has stopped, a new Haitian Security Force 
is being trained, dangerous political groups have been disarmed, 
violence has been minimized, and the Haitian military leaders are in 
the process of stepping down. If our troops are withdrew prematurely, 
any hopes of returning democracy and a functioning economy to Haiti 
will leave with them.
  Although I believe the President should have sought congressional 
approval before deploying United States troops to Haiti, and was 
prepared to support such decision today commend him for maintaining 
America's credibility in world affairs, for taking a firm stand against 
human rights abuses, and for creating the safest possible environment 
for our troops in a potentially dangerous situation. President Clinton 
deserve the support of Congress.

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