[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 199 (Thursday, December 14, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2368-E2369]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 REPORT ON RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR DEBATE AND CONSIDERATION OF THREE 
         MEASURES RELATING TO U.S. TROOP DEPLOYMENTS IN BOSNIA

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                               speech of

                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 13, 1995

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to articulate my position on 
the President's policy of sending 20,000 American troops to Bosnia.
  I oppose, and have voted consistently in Congress to oppose, the 
introduction of United States ground troops into Bosnia. I do not 
believe that American soldiers should be on the frontlines of a 
multiethnic, quasi-religious conflict that dates back several hundred 
years. My position has been that we should have lifted the arms embargo 
against the Bosnians long ago, so that they could have defended 
themselves against Serbian aggression and helped put an end to the 
slaughter. It was clear that one reason the three parties came to the 
table in Dayton was the increasing strength of the Bosnian resistance.
  I believe that this war, which has raged for 3 years with massive 
losses of life, is in the heart of Europe and is primarily a European 
responsibility. That is why I have opposed sending our soldiers into 
the heart of Bosnia to police the peace agreement signed in Dayton.
  Let me make it clear, however, that I do believe the United States 
has a responsibility to our NATO allies and the world to assist in this 
effort. This terrible slaughter can and should end, and our diplomatic 
efforts to bring about a peace agreement have been admirable. With a 
real, signed agreement at hand, our European allies would use our air 
support, intelligence capability, and humanitarian efforts to 
accomplish this mission.
  Unfortunately, the President believes the United States has a 
responsibility to put our soldiers--along with the French and the 
British--on the Bosnian frontlines. It is a policy I do not agree with.
  Today, we are voting on three different resolutions.
  The Dornan resolution would cut off funding to the troops stationed 
in Bosnia, some of which are already in or on their way to that 
country.
  The Skelton resolution would express opposition to this policy, in 
particular the introduction of ground troops into Bosnia, but would 
also express support for our troops there.
  Finally, the Hamilton resolution would express approval for the 
President's policy of sending ground troops to Bosnia and unequivocal 
support for the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who 
have been stationed there by their Commander in Chief, President 
Clinton.
  I oppose the Dornan resolution for two reasons: First, our troops are 
on their way to Bosnia with some already in the Balkans, and to cut off 
their funding while they are in Bosnia would put them in serious 
danger; and second, the President has said he would veto the 
legislation if approved by the Congress, and given that fact, passage 
of this particular resolution would tell our troops, our soldiers, that 
they do not have the full support of the American people or their 
representatives. That is 

[[Page E2369]]
reminiscent of Vietnam and a wrong message to send to our troops.
  However, given my opposition to ground troops in Bosnia, I will 
support the Skelton-Buyer resolution. The President has the authority 
to dispatch these troops just as President Bush dispatched troops to 
the Middle East in 1990. However, I have an obligation to let the 
President know that I disagree with this policy. I have voted 
consistently against this policy and believe it is not in the best 
interest of our Nation.
  Finally, I cannot support the Hamilton resolution, which expresses 
support for the President's Bosnia policy.
  Mr. Speaker, I do not agree with the President's policy. I believe 
the United States should lend air and other support to our European 
allies, to enforce this peace agreement. However, as our troops are now 
stationed or en route to Bosnia, I believe the Congress has a 
responsibility to let the President know that public opinion is 
extremely wary of his policy. He should also know that at the first 
opportunity, we should bring home our troops and let Bosnian soldiers 
take their place, a policy I believe we should have implemented all 
along.

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