Tony Thurmond: “the committee has worked very hard to achieve consensus on an amendment that would represent the majority views of the…”

“the committee has worked very hard to achieve consensus on an amendment that would represent the majority views of the committee. Since May 13, at the request of several Members, the committee has met at least five times to discuss possible amendments on Bosnia that would be offered to the defense bill. The committee also conducted a hearing with Ambassador Robert Gelbard and General Wesley Clark to discuss the status of progress in implementing the Dayton Agreement. Despite all meetings and discussions, the committee was not able to reach consensus on an amendment on Bosnia. However, following the committee's meeting on June 19, Senator Coats and Senator Levin, met, and, using a compromise amendment that I had proposed as a starting point, continued the effort to craft an amendment, which I support and which I believe the Senate can support. While I am aware that there are Senators who would prefer to do more, I believe that this amendment represents the view of most Senators. I am pleased to join Senators Coats and Levin, and I urge the Senate to adopt it. Let me emphasize, this amendment does not represent a committee amendment, it merely represents the tireless efforts of several Members. This amendment would express the concerns of the Congress that U.S. ground combat forces should not be deployed indefinitely in Bosnia, and that efforts should be taken by the President to work with our Allies in Europe so that U.S.…”