Jeremiah Smith: “I have statements from the League of Families, the Alliance of Families, from 70 former POWs, from major veterans…”

“I have statements from the League of Families, the Alliance of Families, from 70 former POWs, from major veterans groups, including the American Legion. And I know that others support what we are doing, like the National Vietnam Veterans Coalition, and many others support the language and support the committee process. So I hope that we will defeat this effort. Exhibit 1 National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia, Washington DC, July 23, 1998. Hon. Bob Smith, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Senator Smith: The POW/MIA families strongly support the language currently in the Commerce, State, Justice appropriations bill as the best way to motivate the Socialist Republic of Vietnam government to account for Americans still missing from the Vietnam War. The League is not surprised that the Clinton Administration, faced with another Congressional certification requirement, prefers broad language that is politically easier to finesse, than specific criteria that must be met. However, at the League's 29th Annual Meeting, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam, the Honorable Douglas "Pete" Peterson, expressed frustration that the language was too broad, requiring either certification of full cooperation or nothing, leaving no room for incremental judgments.”