[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 119 (Wednesday, September 4, 1996)]
[House]
[Pages H9984-H9985]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 THE PRESIDENT MADE THE RIGHT DECISION

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from Texas [Ms. Jackson-Lee] is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today and yesterday was the 
beginning of a new school year for many of this Nation's children. I 
would imagine as they entered the schoolhouse doors, they were looking 
forward to an exciting new year of education and inspiration. Sad as it 
is, in the backdrop of them going to school and those in my 18th 
Congressional District, was the fact that this Nation was poised in an 
act of conflict with Saddam Hussein.
  Many of my constituents as I left for Washington again expressed 
their extreme concern, the concern that we would enter into 
circumstances that might cause us to be involved in a conflict many, 
many miles away from our land.
  As I read the USA Today, it was very telling to understand in Arabic 
that Saddam's name means ``the one who

[[Page H9985]]

confronts,'' and that maybe for 59 years of his life, that is exactly 
what this leader of Iraq has done.
  This time, maybe he has not acted to invade a nation, as he did with 
Kuwait, but to reassert his authority over a part of Iraq. In any 
event, he rises to assert his power over those who would not want it.
  I think it is important to be able to congratulate and to thank the 
President for his measured, but pointed, response. As the Presidential 
race continues and politics become intertwined with government, I think 
it is important Republicans and Democrats alike should recognize what 
the responsibility of America is all about. That is that, if we enter 
into any conflict where we offer our men and women in the Armed Forces, 
we do it with caution, with seriousness, with understanding.
  Mr. Speaker, I am gratified that the captain of the B-52 bomber was 
from Texas and that their initial mission was successful and that they 
were able to make the pointed determination as ordered by the Chief of 
our command, President Clinton, but as well they were able to come away 
with American lives not lost.
  It is important to know that the President did not hastily decide to 
send Americans in, nor has he committed ground troops to that action. 
But what he has done is continue to study the issue and to continue to 
be on top of the issue and to assure us that he will act on behalf of 
all Americans.
  Mr. Speaker, it is important to recognize that the Bosnian decision 
that was made after some of us had the opportunity to visit Bosnia, the 
former Yugoslavia and Croatia, was one of peace, to ensure that the 
Serbs and Muslims would not fight anymore, and those who wanted to come 
home could come home. Although it has not been perfect, I again thank 
the President for his measured response and his commitment to peace.
  To my constituents let me say that it is important, now that we have 
gathered here in Washington, that we not raise our voices in political 
rhetoric, that we monitor this situation, that we be concerned about 
the Kurds and their desire for peace, that we recognize that this is an 
internal conflict, but it is led by a man who wants to confront. It is 
important that we try and minimize any loss of life of American men and 
women, that we do our very best to enforce the principles of democracy 
of this Nation, and that we recognize the leadership role that we have, 
both in foreign policy and creating an atmosphere of peace in this 
world.
  I ask the President in his wisdom and his leadership that he continue 
to keep the Congress apprised of the leadership that is needed for us 
to go forward and do the right thing. Then I would ask those of us who 
gather in the U.S. Congress to be supportive where it is necessary, and 
as well to be questioning on behalf of our constituents. But this is 
the right decision, and we must stand on behalf of democracy and 
fairness and the saving of lives.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank the men and women who are part of our Armed 
Forces, who are always faithful, always strong, always committed.

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