John Doolittle: “I rise in support of H.R. 7, the National Security Revitalization Act. I think this legislation is an important step…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 7, the National Security Revitalization Act. I think this legislation is an important step toward restoring America's reputation as a superpower. In addition, this legislation preserves our ability and reaffirms our intent to defend America's national security interests around the globe. Mr. Chairman, I am especially glad that H.R. 7 includes language restricting the placement of U.S. troops under the control of foreign nationals acting on behalf of the United Nations. The language included in H.R. 7 is almost identical to a bill I introduced last year (H.R. 3334), and reintroduced again this year (H.R. 631). I strongly believe this legislation is necessary in order to counter the Clinton administration's proposed policy directives that would allow U.S. military forces to be placed under foreign command, on a regular basis, for U.N. peacekeeping operations. Mr. Chairman, the people in my district, especially the war veterans, demand that when we send our young men and women overseas to battle that they will do so under the American flag, not the blue helmet of the United Nations. Some argue that this legislation will hamstring the President's ability to act as Commander in Chief. This is simply not true. My proposal, included in H.R. 7, requires the President to certify to Congress that such foreign operational control is necessary to protect vital national security interests of the United States.”