Phil Gingrey: “what is truly disingenuous is that nobody here tonight speaking against WHINSEC, to my knowledge, has ever taken the…”

“what is truly disingenuous is that nobody here tonight speaking against WHINSEC, to my knowledge, has ever taken the time to visit the school. The gentleman, the author of the amendment, my good friend, talked about transparency. It's not because folks have not been invited. WHINSEC is so proud of its operation and record on human rights that it maintains an open-door policy. And Mr. Chairman, that would be true even for the School of the Americas Watch Group. They are welcome at any time to come in and look and talk to Colonel Perez, the director of the school, and look at the curriculum. Any Member of this body can show up unannounced to see for themselves what's being taught at WHINSEC. Those of us who've taken the time to visit understand the critical importance of engaging the leaders and the law enforcement personnel of our closest neighbors while spreading democracy and respect for human rights. We understand that unlike its predecessor, the School of the Americas, WHINSEC has a substantial human rights component that goes well beyond the training required by law. In fact, at a recent HASC hearing, Admiral Stavridis, the Commander of Southern Command, referred to WHINSEC as the military's crown jewel for human rights training. Mr. Chairman, as we've made clear, those who advocate cutting funding for WHINSEC do so in the absence of fact. WHINSEC has a spotless human rights record and a tremendous record of success in the Western Hemisphere.”