Bob Dole: “before we conclude consideration of the fiscal year 1996 Defense authorization bill, I would like to make a few comments…”

“before we conclude consideration of the fiscal year 1996 Defense authorization bill, I would like to make a few comments regarding section 551, which addresses the determination of whereabouts and the status of missing persons. Section 551 is the direct result of S. 256, the Missing Service Personnel Act of 1995, which I introduced on January 20 of this year. I want to thank Senator Coats, the Personnel Subcommittee chairman, for his efforts to include as much of the original bill in the Defense authorization bill as was possible. It wasn't easy. DOD had its objections, as did a number of our colleagues. The original intent of S. 256 was to reform the Department of Defense's procedures for determining the status and location of missing personnel of the Armed Forces. Legislation concerning those missing in action has not changed in the past 50 years. Since the Vietnam war, the Department of Defense and the United States Government have been criticized for their handling of the POW/MIA issue. Some of that criticism is justified. The Government's own actions--or inaction--has provoked legitimate criticism. S. 256 was an attempt to correct these problems and establish a fair and equitable procedure for determining the exact status of missing personnel. At the same time, it was my hope that we might restore some of the Department's credibility on this issue and renew the trust between the public and the Federal Government.”