Cass Ballenger: “I rise in favor of H.R. 7. Mr. Chairman, the results from the November 8 elections demonstrate the American voter's…”

“I rise in favor of H.R. 7. Mr. Chairman, the results from the November 8 elections demonstrate the American voter's overall dissatisfaction with Congress. Recognizing this concern, many of us signed the Contract With America, to clearly illustrate our promise to eliminate weak leadership and destructive policies. Since January 4, we have been working very hard to bring 10 bills compromising the contract to the floor during the first 100 legislative days of the 104th Congress. We have passed several of these bills, however, and now we must address the next item, H.R. 7, the National Security Revitalization Act. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this legislation which was successfully voted out of four committees of jurisdiction including the International Relations Committee, of which I am a member. The bill expresses many of my sentiments toward foreign policy, particularly regarding the current administration. Yes, the world of today differs tremendously from that of the 1980's, therefore our foreign policy must change and continue to change as we move into the next century. However, it is time we restore America's reputation as a superpower; we must repair our strength and credibility damaged by the policies of the Clinton Administration.”