Wendy Sherman: “I voted against the Boehlert Amendment to the Intelligence Authorizations bill for 2005, H.R. 4548, due to the language…”

“I voted against the Boehlert Amendment to the Intelligence Authorizations bill for 2005, H.R. 4548, due to the language which suggested that the war against Iraq and the policies of our commander-in-chief were the major factors in Libya's change with respect to the development of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction. It was, in fact, concerted multilateral economic and diplomatic pressure which brought Libya's leader, Col. Qaddafi, to his senses to cut a deal to end U.S. and multilateral sanctions and relieve Libya's diplomatic isolation. I agree with the Ranking Member of the International Relations Committee, who insisted that language be added noting the effect sanctions had on the Libyan leader's policies. However, I cannot support legislation which suggests that the President's policy in Iraq played the major role in affecting policy in Tripoli. I also voted against the Rogers Amendment. Though I agree with many of its provisions, I cannot support its partisan tone.”