Richard Gephardt: “I have always believed that Congress should be involved in decisions by our government to send our armed services into…”

“I have always believed that Congress should be involved in decisions by our government to send our armed services into harm's way. I really believe it is best to first commit the people and then commit the troops. However, I object strongly to the timing of this debate. We should not be debating this matter while our diplomats at this very moment are seeking to convince the parties to this conflict to lay down their weapons and choose the path of peace. To conduct a divisive debate in Congress and perhaps fail to support our government's efforts is the height of irresponsibility, and threatens the hope for an agreement to halt the bloodshed and prevent the widening of this war. We all know that we are at a very delicate moment in the Kosovo peace negotiations. In part due to the efforts of former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, the Kosovar Albanians are reportedly ready to sign an agreement, and our diplomats are right now continuing convince Yugoslavia President Milosevic to agree, as well. If we reject this legislation, the Kosovars may refuse to sign an agreement out of fear that U.S. leadership is wavering, and clearly, Milosevic will be emboldened to continue his rejection of a NATO force as part of any agreement. Either outcome will only lead to more violence, more bloodshed, which has engulfed this region over the past years. This should not be about politics. It should not be about giving the administration a black eye.”