[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 172 (Thursday, November 2, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2094]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SENSE OF HOUSE RELATING TO DEPLOYMENT OF ARMED FORCES IN BOSNIA AND 
                              HERZEGOVINA

                                 ______


                               speech of

                          HON. NORMAN D. DICKS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 30, 1995

  Mr. DICKS. Mr. Speaker, at this delicate period of negotiations 
between the warring parties in the former Yugoslavia, I believe that it 
is extremely counterproductive for the House to be considering this 
resolution. The Administration is showing great leadership by bringing 
the factions together to attempt to resolve these ancient hostilities 
which, in their most recent manifestations, have devastated the region 
and left more than 200 thousand dead. I believe that if this House 
approves the resolution before us, it will hinder the peace process by 
shaking the confidence of the combatants in the ability of the United 
States to follow through on any commitments to which it agrees.
  No one in this Congress wants to insert American troops into an 
ongoing conflict, nor do I believe that this is the desire of our 
President. Most in the House also agree that Congress should be 
consulted prior to the commitment of any ground troops to a 
peacekeeping effort in Bosnia. Many of us on both sides of the aisle 
have asserted this prerogative to the President and to Administration 
officials during recent months. The President and the U.S. negotiators 
know Congress's wishes on this issue; there is no need for the House to 
approve a resolution today to restate what has been made quite apparent 
by various Members of Congress.
  If it is unnecessary to explain to the President the position of the 
House on this issue, what purpose will this resolution serve? I believe 
that the only function of this resolution will be to undermine the 
credibility of the Administration as it enters into negotiations which 
could have dramatic effects on the outcome of the peace process.
  I understand that Members have widely differing opinions on the issue 
of utilizing U.S. troops in peacekeeping missions, and I respect the 
sincere convictions upon which these opinions have been formed. 
However, the peace process in the Balkans will suffer if this 
resolution passes. It vividly emphasizes the distinct possibility that 
the United States will not honor what it has agreed to at the 
negotiating table. I do not see how the conflicting parties can have 
faith in the peace process if the House causes them to question the 
commitment of the United States.
  I have always believed that Congress must not deliberately undermine 
the ability of the President to conduct foreign relations. I have 
supported this policy for Presidents from both parties. If approved, 
this resolution will hinder the ability of this President to negotiate 
an end to the horrible warfare in southeastern Europe. I urge my 
colleagues to put aside their partisan sentiments and to support the 
process toward peace by opposing House Resolution 247.

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