Doug Bereuter: “We may come out on different sides of this, but I thought the gentleman ought to know that one of the reasons why we are…”

“We may come out on different sides of this, but I thought the gentleman ought to know that one of the reasons why we are in this debate from my perspective and I think from the perspective of many people is that we were told the same sort of thing: Wait until the Dayton accord is concluded. This is a very delicate negotiation; do not get involved. But by the time the signature ended up on the line at Dayton, troops were already on the way, Congress was precluded from action, and we were told, ``You must now support our men and women, the troops abroad.'' Mr. Chairman, that is the reason why we are at this stage in my judgment. I have come to this floor many times to question precipitous deployment without lawful consultation with Congress and without an authorization of Congress. I have gone so far as to sue past Presidents over this issue, but we were denied standing in the courts. So in this case, as my colleagues know, I believe that we would be given that opportunity.”