Zach Nunn: “this resolution is very similar to the resolution we passed in 1993. If I had my way, I would not have brought up the…”

“this resolution is very similar to the resolution we passed in 1993. If I had my way, I would not have brought up the resolution at this point in time. Of course, every Senator has the right to bring up whatever they would like on any bill under our procedure. The peace agreement is being negotiated now. This resolution, in my view, is a sense-of-the-Senate resolution that does not have the effect of law. It is not binding on the President. It does make it clear the Senate of the United States expects the President of the United States to, basically, have Congress speak to this issue before we have deployment of troops. We had a good meeting at the White House today. I think the President made it clear his position is very similar to what President Bush's position was before the Persian Gulf war, that is, he would welcome an expression by Congress approving this peacekeeping mission, but he at this point in time certainly is going to consult with Congress in any event. Madam President, there are a lot of questions that need to be asked by the United States before this deployment takes place. We need to have hearings in the Armed Services Committee and the Foreign Relations Committee. We need to ask a lot of tough questions. Most of all, the American people need to be informed by the President that this is truly in our national interest before we make any commitment under our NATO alliance. But the United States must lead.…”