Benjamin Gilman: “the House is preparing to take up an emergency appropriations bill to fund the costs of the earthquake that devastated…”

“the House is preparing to take up an emergency appropriations bill to fund the costs of the earthquake that devastated Los Angeles last month. Tucked away in the emergency bill is $1,200,000,000 to reimburse the Defense Department for unforeseen costs it has incurred while participating in U.N. peacekeeping operations, primarily in Somalia. Congress must provide this reimbursement. But, this latest installment for the failed Somalia operation is another reason why some discipline must be brought to U.N. peace operations, which have been proliferating relentlessly. Because American taxpayers foot nearly one-third of the cost of these operations, I have joined with my good friend and colleague on the Foreign Affairs Committee, the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Hyde], in introducing the Peace Powers Act of 1994. The legislation will give Congress a role in the approval of future U.N. peace missions. Accordingly, I invite our colleagues to cosponsor and support this bill.”