Kay Bailey Hutchison: “I want to talk today about a matter that concerns all Americans: the presence of 35,000 young American men and women…”

“I want to talk today about a matter that concerns all Americans: the presence of 35,000 young American men and women supporting the peace implementation force in Bosnia. Those troops were sent as a part of a NATO force to monitor the Bosnian peace agreement reached in Dayton, OH, last year. The Senate voted last December to support those troops, to provide them whatever they needed to do what they have been asked to do. But in the resolution submitted by the distinguished Republican leader, Senator Dole, and Senator McCain of Arizona, the Senate also said by a margin of 69 to 30 that it does not endorse the President's decision or the agreement reached in Dayton. The House of Representatives was even more harsh. The House voted 287 to 141 to condemn the Dayton agreement, while expressing support for the troops that have been sent on this mission. There is never a doubt that we will support fully American troops anywhere when they are performing a mission for this country. We will always be there for them. But, Mr. President, that does not mean we cannot question the policy, and this Senate and the House of Representatives did just that.”