T. Gorton: “on March 23, 1999, I voted against the initial Senate resolution to authorize air attacks in Yugoslavia. More than 420…”

“on March 23, 1999, I voted against the initial Senate resolution to authorize air attacks in Yugoslavia. More than 420 days have passed since I cast that vote, and I could not be more confident in my initial decision. I argued in 1999 that the United States was foolishly injecting and engaging the brave men and women of our Armed Forces into a civil war that I dare say may never be resolved. Furthermore, the Administration had then not proposed, and to date has not yet recommended an exit strategy for the occupation of Kosovo. In reaching my decision, I questioned the mission's objectives, the implication of a long-term U.S. commitment in Yugoslavia, and most importantly I argued that our vital national interests did not warrant a full scale war in the Balkans. In less than two months after the Administration was authorized to enter the war in the Balkans, Congress faced an $11 billion taxpayer commitment to the endeavor. Once again I voted against the U.S. commitment to the civil war in Kosovo, citing the same concerns. And what has resulted from the U.S. and NATO engagement in Kosovo? NATO's thrust into the Balkans has fostered the creation of an entirely new class of refugees; the U.S.…”