Jerry Nadler: “I rise today to oppose the Kucinich Amendment to cut funding for the Kosovo Protection Corps (KPC). The KPC has served…”

“I rise today to oppose the Kucinich Amendment to cut funding for the Kosovo Protection Corps (KPC). The KPC has served as an important force for peace and stability in an unstable region. After the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) demilitarized, the KPC was formed in an effort to employ former KLA members in a capacity which could be beneficial to the region. Since its inception, the KPC has done important work in Kosovo, cleaning disease infested garbage dumps in Pristina, repairing roads and bridges and helping to rebuild over 1,000 homes. While individual members of the KPC have been accused of carrying illegal weapons, and while I do believe these individuals should be dealt with, the KPC as a whole has played an important role in the quest for peace in Kosovo. On February 4th, in Mitrovica, KPC members intervened along with French and Italian NATO peacekeepers to disperse an angry crowd. The leadership of the KPC has repeatedly spoken out for tolerance and reconciliation amongst the different ethnic groups within the region. Mr. Speaker, I believe it would be a grave mistake to deny funding to this important organization at this most tumultuous time in Kosovo's history. I urge my colleagues to vote against the Kucinich amendment.”