Benjamin Gilman: “I have brought this measure to the floor of the House in order to call attention to some continuing problems in the…”

“I have brought this measure to the floor of the House in order to call attention to some continuing problems in the international community's efforts to bring about a stable, just, and a lasting peace to the people of Kosovo. The Committee on International Relations approved this measure without dissent and it represents a bipartisan consensus on the part of our committee members on how to redress some of the difficulties in Kosovo. Our principal concern is that the international community, rather than fostering a self-reliant, prosperous Kosovar-run Kosovo, is creating a new international dependency hooked on assistance funds and the presence of numerous international aid workers. What seems to have been overlooked in the current approach is the fact that prior to the move to strip away Kosovo's political autonomy in 1989, and even during the decade of oppression the Kosovars suffered under Milosevic, the Kosovar people demonstrated a remarkable amount of initiative and economic skill. These characteristics should be part of our strategy in restoring Kosovo's economy.”