[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 188 (Tuesday, November 28, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H13668]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     PRESIDENT HAS NOT MADE THE CASE FOR DEPLOYING TROOPS TO BOSNIA

  (Mr. SMITH of Texas asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, American service men and women 
should not be asked to risk their lives in Bosnia unless national 
security interests are threatened and military deployment would protect 
United States interests. President Clinton made a strong statement last 
night, describing the horrors in Bosnia. But he did not define what 
American national security interests are involved in Bosnia. And his 
statement did not establish that U.S. ground troops would resolve the 
Balkan conflict.
  The people of the 21st District of Texas are committed to a strong 
American defense that protects our Nation's security interests around 
the world. Thousands in the 21st District have risked their lives to 
serve our Nation in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the 
gulf war. But America's leaders have a responsibility to ask for their 
service only when it is essential to protect our Nation's national 
security interests.
  Before committing U.S. troops, the President should demonstrate that 
American national security interests are at risk and that U.S. military 
deployment can decisively advance our interests. President Clinton has 
not made this case.

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