[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 118 (Thursday, July 20, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10335-S10336]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


             THE PRESIDENT REQUESTS A DELAY ON BOSNIA VOTE

  Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, I noted that Senator Dole was asked to 
delay a vote on Bosnia until some time next week, as I understand it. I 
will support Senator Dole in whatever decision he makes. I understand 
that when the President of the United States asks for action to be 
taken that concerns national security, that request must be given great 
credence, and if Senator Dole decides to delay that vote, I am sure 
that every Member of this body will support that decision.
  If Senator Dole decides otherwise because of events that transpire in 


[[Page S10336]]
Bosnia--and I will point out that the media reports are that Zepa has 
fallen, as well, and events are unraveling there; more U.N. forces are 
being threatened with being taken hostage again--then I would support 
that decision as well.
  I gave a long speech yesterday on the issue of Bosnia. I also 
addressed the issue of airstrikes. I am deeply concerned about the 
prospect of ``aggressive airstrikes,'' exactly what that means, and 
what the rules of engagement are, and if those airstrikes fail, what do 
we do next? I am convinced that if the Bosnians are assured--as they 
are being assured--that there will never, under any circumstances, be 
any U.S. ground involvement, we will learn a lesson we have learned 
throughout this century: air power alone is not an ultimate determinant 
in the outcome of a conflict.
  I yield the floor.
  

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