December 6, 1995
Web posted at: 2:30 p.m. EST (1930 GMT)
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Clinton administration Wednesday continued its campaign to convince Congress and the American people that sending United States troops to Bosnia-Herzegovina is in their best interest.
The Committee for American Leadership in Bosnia, a bipartisan group of supporters of President Clinton's policy, gathered at the White House. The president thanked the cross-section of dignitaries, saying they "make a strong case for America's leadership in Bosnia." The group includes Alexander Haig, secretary of state in the Reagan administration, and Zbigniew Brzezinski, national security adviser to Jimmy Carter.
President Clinton reiterated his contention that the United States has a "duty to act" and "seize the chance to end (Bosnia's) suffering." "Leadership is not a spectator sport," he said. Clinton also said the cost of failing to act has been "under-discussed in the public arena."
At the same time, his top security officials were discussing
it in yet another Congressional hearing. Defense Secretary
William Perry, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. John Shalikashvili,
and Assistant Secretary of State Richard Holbrooke explained
the U.S. role in Operation Joint Endeavour to the Senate
Armed Services Committee.
Committee Chairman Sen. Strom Thurmand sought justification for the mission, saying he believes the American public has yet to be convinced that vital national security interests are threatened. Perry said there is only one alternative to the United States participating in Operation Joint Endeavour -- a restart of the war.
Still, the administration does not appear to have enough votes in Congress to pass a non-binding resolution of support. Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole postponed debate on the issue until next week. It was supposed to begin Wednesday.
The House is an even tougher audience to win over. Clinton, however, said he is confident he will win its support, despite its having voted twice before to oppose sending U.S. ground forces to Bosnia. "I'm encouraged," Clinton said. "I had a good visit with the speaker about it yesterday."The president is seeking official Congressional support before December 14, when the Bosnian peace agreement is to be signed in Paris.
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