Ronald Dellums: “No. 1, because I think the House was ill advised when it took the action it did several days ago. No. 2, that the debate…”

“No. 1, because I think the House was ill advised when it took the action it did several days ago. No. 2, that the debate was a short debate on the substantive issue. No. 3, Madam Chairman, I believe that a number of my colleagues acted and voted out of confusion and perhaps even ignorance. So at this time, I would like to state the case, allow my colleagues to move beyond their confusion, beyond their ignorance, and also, Madam Chairman, time and circumstances have overcome this amendment. The Goss amendment was adopted nearly 2 weeks ago, and the events in the last 2 weeks have made that amendment unnecessary. So I ask many of my colleagues here who voted for that amendment, to consider now voting against the amendment. It is not necessary. The United States has reached an agreement to process Haitian refugees off the coast of Jamaica and other islands, making the amendment moot. Second point I would make: The Goss amendment, Madam Chairman, and hear me on this, would require the United States to use military force to seize an island off the Haitian coast and maintain that island for refugee processing.”