Bob Dole: “this is a time for celebration--a brave American pilot, Capt. Scott O'Grady, has been rescued from Bosnian Serb-held…”

“this is a time for celebration--a brave American pilot, Capt. Scott O'Grady, has been rescued from Bosnian Serb-held territory. He is back at Aviano Air Base in Italy and will soon be on his way home to see his family. I am pleased to submit this resolution on behalf of myself and many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle commending Captain O'Grady, and the U.S. marines who rescued him, for their courage and professionalism. In the interests of getting this resolution adopted today, I agreed to modify several provisions, although I have a hard time to understand why they are objectionable. But first it was objected to stating the obvious--that many missions prior to Captain O'Grady's were not accompanied by adequate action against hostile air defenses. And second, objection to urging appropriate responses to the attack on Captain O'Grady. The term ``appropriate'' covers a lot, but apparently some want no response at all to the attack on Captain O'Grady or the attack on the rescue aircraft. But having said that, those provisions have been removed to satisfy my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. I think we all want to make a statement and I believe this resolution makes an appropriate statement.”