Katie Porter: “perhaps no one has been more critical of the President's foreign policies than I have. In China, in northern Iraq, and…”

“perhaps no one has been more critical of the President's foreign policies than I have. In China, in northern Iraq, and in Turkey, the United States has done nothing to cover itself with glory, and much to be ashamed of. In fairness, I would have to say that the President has had some victories, Northern Ireland for one, and Bosnia; yes, Bosnia, where the proud representatives of the United States military, in small numbers, are keeping the peace, and are teaching people who have not really ever known it tolerance and understanding; and have done so, I might add, without casualties, because Slobodan Milosevic will not respond if the United States stands tall and strong. So I have no case to make for this President's foreign policy generally. The President has failed to adequately consult the Congress in respect to Kosovo, and he also, I think it is fair to say, deserves great criticism for permitting the conditions in Kosovo to deteriorate to the point at which we find ourselves today. Clearly no one, including the United States, can force parties to a peace who want to engage in war. Clearly, no deployment can be made before there is a signed peace agreement. However, Mr. Chairman, the defeat of this resolution or the passage of the Fowler amendment would be a victory for Milosevic. The butcher of Bosnia, the author of the bloody ethnic cleansing and genocide, will win if we do nothing. We are the world's strongest Nation.…”