[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 24, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S3298]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           KOSOVO RESOLUTION

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, on Tuesday morning, the President 
made it clear that efforts to achieve a negotiated political solution 
to the Kosovo crisis had failed and that military action in the form of 
NATO conducted air strikes employing US military equipment and 
personnel was imminent. Although I am very disappointed that the 
President did not include congressional leaders much earlier in this 
important debate, the fact remains that the President has begun the 
process, under his authority as Commander-in-Chief, which will lead to 
air strikes and will put the men and women of our armed forces in 
harm's way. My vote supporting S. Con. Res. 21 was, therefore cast, for 
the express purpose of conveying support for our troops who, at this 
moment, are ready to risk their lives on this very dangerous mission. 
My vote should not be interpreted as an endorsement of or authorization 
for any escalation to more extensive involvement, such as the 
introduction of ground troops in this conflict. Indeed, before any such 
escalation of our military commitment in this crisis is contemplated, I 
believe the President should give Congress a more significant role in 
the debate than we have thus far and address many critical questions 
regarding US military involvement. Specifically, the President must 
clearly explain what US national security interests are at stake, the 
mission objectives of our military action, the cost and duration of the 
deployment, and overall exit strategy. Failure to consult with Congress 
on these important issues in a timely fashion would significantly 
affect the extent of my support for any subsequent, broader US 
involvement.

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