Ed Royce: “I rise today to express some of my concerns about the state of our foreign policy. In recent weeks we have seen a…”

“I rise today to express some of my concerns about the state of our foreign policy. In recent weeks we have seen a gathering crisis of confidence emerge in regard to the President's handling of foreign policy. Polls show that only 13 percent of the American public believes that the President has a coherent foreign policy. I take no pleasure in these facts. But who can dispute them? The revolution in communications brings frightful sights to our screens--murdered American soldiers being dragged through the streets of Somalia; Haitian thugs turning away the United States Navy; strutting dictators and their nuclear swagger, and even at home, our World Trade Towers smoldering--these things are very real and very unsettling. From this Chamber to 'Nightline,' the question of foreign policy is beginning to vex so many. Americans are beginning to feel uncomfortable. They are beginning to sense that all of this turbulence might just mean there is no pilot up front. Senior-most members of the President's own party, in both Houses, have joined commentators, analysts, and statesmen around the world in expressions of apprehension and incredulity. This week's Time magazine asks if its time for Warren Christopher to say goodbye; but I say that the President of the United States is supposed to be the pilot, and sacrificing a navigator is not going to solve the problem. Goals, when articulated, seem to lapse into excuses and rationalizations.”