[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 87 (Thursday, June 13, 1996)]
[House]
[Page H6403]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TROOPS IN BOSNIA SHOULD COME HOME BY CHRISTMAS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Washington [Mr. Metcalf] is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. METCALF. Mr. Speaker, six months ago, 20,000 top United States 
combat troops were sent to do guard duty in Bosnia. We also support our 
troops in every possible way and want them back safely before Christmas 
as promised.
  I have consistently opposed sending our fighting forces to foreign 
lands unless the objectives are clear and achievable and the timetable 
and the exit strategy are stated and fully understood by everyone. None 
of these details were presented to the Congress.
  It is easy to send people to trouble spots, but it is seldom easy to 
get them out safely in a timely manner and an honorable manner.
  President Clinton pledged that this was a temporary mission and that 
they would be pulled out and brought home in one year. The year is 
barely half gone. The costs are more than anticipated and rising. What 
are we now hearing from the highest levels of the administration? The 
word is filtering down that it may take more time, that our troops may 
have to stay longer in Bosnia to accomplish their objectives. 
Objectives which have never been clearly stated and, I believe, never 
even understood by those who gave the orders that sent them there.
  We in Congress must be vigilant in the coming weeks and months. We 
must not allow our service personnel to become permanent occupation 
troops in Bosnia. If 1 year is not enough, will 2 or 3 or even 5 years 
suffice? Not likely. Our Nation should keep its word and our troops 
should be brought home this winter as promised.

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