[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 72 (Tuesday, May 18, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S5464]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                 KOSOVO

  Mr. WELLSTONE. Mr. President, while we are waiting, let me just 
repeat a little bit of what I said yesterday. I have been speaking with 
some other Senators about this as well. While I understand that we have 
a very crowded schedule, I do believe that the Senate should take some 
time this week to discuss or to debate our military action in Kosovo.
  I have spoken now for the last several weeks about this. I will not 
repeat all that I have said. Next time I come to the floor with 
specific proposals and ideas, I hope to be able to do that with other 
Senators. And I see my colleague from Washington is on the floor, so I 
am going to yield in about 30 seconds, if I can. But quite apart from 
what specific proposals I want to make as a Senator about where we are 
and where I believe we must go as a nation, I want to make a larger 
point right now, which is I believe the Senate ought to be debating 
this question. I believe we should have full discussion and full 
debate.
  One thing I am certain of--and I mentioned this yesterday--when we 
voted on authorizing airstrikes, I asked my colleague, Senator Biden, 
what is the purpose? I read yesterday from the Record; and in the 
Record it was stated hopefully to be able to stop the slaughter, 
hopefully to be able to get Milosevic to the bargaining table, and to 
degrade the military force.
  I think in light of the last 8 weeks and what has happened, in many 
ways the objectives have changed. The objectives have changed. The 
bombing is more than just degrading the military force. It has a 
different set of goals.
  I am not even right now going to argue about the pluses and the 
minuses of all that. I think it is irresponsible for the Senate not to 
take up this question and not to have positive--not hateful, not 
demagogic--really thoughtful, substantive discussion and debate.
  I know we have other business right now, but I am going to come back 
very soon and try to push this question much harder.
  I yield the floor.
  Mrs. MURRAY addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Washington.
  Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to speak as in 
morning business for 10 minutes.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mrs. MURRAY. Thank you, Mr. President.

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