Political Quotes

“the foreign operations bill I am voting for tonight represents our Nation's awareness that we are not alone in this world. We have learned well the lesson from our isolationism in the 1930s. Besides providing humanitarian aid to countries that are threatened with drought or civil unrest, this bill provides economic aid to maintain stability in areas of potential unrest. Spending in this bill is over $700 million less than last year, reflecting the need for budget cuts, but this bill still keeps the U.S. as a leader in the world. I want to especially recognize the African nations that are making the difficult transition to democratic governments with market economies. For decades the Soviet Union tried to promote communism as the panacea to poverty in Africa. Now, with the Soviet influence gone, these countries have a chance to attain genuine freedom. This bill provides over $2 billion to help with this transition. I am disappointed to see an amendment offered to reduce financial assistance to South Africa. Five years ago South Africa was trapped in the unjust doctrine of apartheid. This year South Africa held its first election in which blacks were able to vote. This is a remarkable step forward. I feel it is imperative that the United States not abandon South Africa after it has achieved such a remarkable goal. The years ahead are not going to be easy for the new South African government.”