Wendy Sherman: “this has been a momentous day. And it is important that the Nation, and especially the leaders in Belgrade, do not…”

“this has been a momentous day. And it is important that the Nation, and especially the leaders in Belgrade, do not misinterpret what happened here. America will continue the air war, and that air war has the support of this House. America demands the resettlement of the Kosovars in safety in Kosovo, and that has overwhelming support. And that is all indicated by our rejection of the resolution to withdraw all military efforts from the Yugoslav theater. We also voted clearly, and the White House should not misconstrue this, that before massive ground forces are deployed, Congress must be consulted. And finally, in what I fear will be a confusing vote, and I use this speech to avoid such confusion, we voted 213-213 on a resolution that seemed restricted to the air war, but those who understand our legal system will recognize that the reason we voted that way was to make sure our own courts did not misinterpret that vote as a vote in favor of a carte blanche to the President. We support the air war by a large vote in this House.”