Bill Delahunt: “let me begin by echoing the sentiments that have been expressed by others regarding the hard work and the dedication of…”

“let me begin by echoing the sentiments that have been expressed by others regarding the hard work and the dedication of both the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Kolbe) and the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey). The bill is a good product. I think all of us wish that there were more resources to work with. Having said that, it is a reflection of what I believe to be the priorities and values of the vast majority of Members in this House. My amendment, Mr. Chairman, would require the State Department to report to the United States Congress on the implementation of legislation that was passed in the Colombian Congress last month. That bill will soon be officially transmitted to President Pastrana. It is anticipated that he will sign this particular proposal. Although much improved from its earlier versions, this legislation still contains ambiguous provisions that could threaten civilian oversight of the military in Colombia and place at risk the progress that has been made toward reforming the military under the leadership of President Pastrana and Armed Forces Chief Fernando Tapias over the course of the past several years. Continued progress towards genuine and permanent reform should be a prerequisite for American assistance to Colombia's security forces. Only a few years ago, the Colombian military had the worst human rights record in the hemisphere.…”