[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 161 (Monday, December 15, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2415-E2416]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 2159, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING, 
             AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1998

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                               speech of

                          HON. JOHN E. ENSIGN

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 12, 1997

  Mr. ENSIGN. Mr. Speaker, it is with a deep sense of regret that I am 
unable to vote for H.R. 2159, the 1998 Foreign Operations 
Appropriations Act. I strongly supported the House passed version that 
held spending levels to that of fiscal year 1997. The House of 
Representatives worked very hard to maintain a sense of fiscal 
responsibility with respect to foreign aid programs, which is why I was 
so disappointed when this legislation returned from conference with an 
$880 million increase in spending.
  I have always been a critic of foreign aid excess, and I remain 
strong in my belief that we must find a way to make our international 
involvement more accountable to the American taxpayers and more 
responsive to American interests. However, I firmly believe that one of 
the wisest investments we can make is to the economic viability and 
national security of Israel. The American-Israel partnership is one 
that goes beyond the common political and strategic bonds. Both nations 
share a common set of values--values of freedom, individual 
responsibility, hope, and opportunity.
  For many years, I have watched a determined people build a democracy 
under extremely difficult circumstances that more than tested their 
resolve. These past few years have been no exception, with the 
assassination of Israel's Prime Minister, Yitzhak Rabin, repeated 
terrorist attacks, and a very contentious election. Through it all, the 
people of Israel have stood strong and I commend them.
  The people of the United States stand ready to help the people of 
Israel as they move down a road of peace, security and economic self-
reliance. I strongly support aid to Israel, and was very pleased with 
the $3 billion appropriated for economic and military assistance to 
Israel. While I wholeheartedly support this funding for Israel, I 
cannot support the overall spending package. At a time when we are 
making difficult choices to balance the

[[Page E2416]]

budget and ensure the solvency of our Medicare and Social Security 
programs, it is difficult to justify increasing foreign aid programs by 
$880 million.
  The majority of the American people have rejected deficit spending, 
and told Congress to balance the budget and end the bureaucratic 
spending spree. My constituents in Nevada want dramatic cuts in foreign 
aid, and we have not done it.

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