Joe Crowley: “I am opposed to the Kasich, Condit, Shays, Frank, Bachus, DeFazio amendment to withdraw our troops from Kosovo before…”

“I am opposed to the Kasich, Condit, Shays, Frank, Bachus, DeFazio amendment to withdraw our troops from Kosovo before the completion of their vital mission in the Balkans. The U.S. has committed a great deal of men, material and money to Kosovo and the Balkans region. Now is not the time to limit our activities. We must see it through. I think it is very dangerous to tie the President's hands in the region when U.S. troops are on the ground and so much has been invested in the future of the region. This isn't a budget issue. It's a national security issue and must be viewed as such. I agree with the proponents of the amendment that we must pressure our European allies to pay their fair share in Kosovo and the region. I think most of my colleagues would agree as well. But, I can't in good conscience allow the President to be prevented from doing what he feels is in the vital interests of the U.S. Especially when a new President will inherit the current situation in Kosovo next year and be forced to deal with this amendment if it passes here today. That is why George W. Bush joined with the Clinton Administration in opposing this amendment. We must not link U.S. national security priorities with the perceived inaction of our allies. We all want to ensure our European allies to pay their fair share, but this is not the way to do it--diplomacy is. No matter how you dress it up, this amendment could force the withdrawal of American troops from Kosovo.”