On the recordMarch 30, 2000
The message would be that raising the possibility of American troops withdrawing from Kosovo encourages extremist elements in Kosovo and Belgrade who are determined to see NATO's mission fail in the Balkans. This amendment would damage the readiness of our armed forces for the rest of the fiscal year and for the rest of our efforts there. Sure, European allies should and they will do more to meet their commitments in Kosovo. We should continue to encourage them to do so. But we do not by this amendment want to surrender to foreign nations the ultimate decision-making authority on the deployment of United States' troops. Congress and the executive branch should make that decision. Cutting off funds and forcing the withdrawal of our forces from Kosovo should not be an automatic based on what the Europeans do.
Source
govinfo.gov
