Norma Torres: “I rise to oppose the conference report on H.R. 927. I am grateful to my colleague, the gentleman from Indiana [Mr.…”

“I rise to oppose the conference report on H.R. 927. I am grateful to my colleague, the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. Burton] for this opportunity to explain why the passage of H.R. 927 would be, in my opinion, not only a grave policy mistake by this body, but, would set in motion actions which would deliberately inflict upon the Cuban people suffering and deprivation. Yes, we all deplore the incident of the downing of Americans flying provocative flights over Cuban airspace but, they were warned countless times to desist. This legislation will not correct that situation. At worst, this legislation is a cruel attempt by Members in both bodies--who are still fighting the cold war--to provoke civil disorder in Cuba. Today we need to send a wake-up call to those cold warriors in our midst--the cold war has ended. We won--remember. What threat does the Government of Cuba present to the territory or people of the United States which would justify unleashing further pain and suffering and, I would warn, possible bloodshed, among the people of Cuba. The United States is the only world superpower. Our military might dwarfs that of the combined armies and navies of Europe and certainly of the Americas. We maintain an armed, military presence, on the Island of Cuba--how many of you appreciate this reality.”