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Last Updated:7/21/03
Letter from Reps. Jim McGovern (D-Massachusetts) and Ike Skelton (D-Missouri), July 21, 2003

Support the McGovern-Skelton Amendment on Colombia

Fiscal Year 2004 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act

Dear Colleague,

            On Wednesday, the House will consider the FY04 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act.   Representatives McGovern, Skelton and others will offer an amendment to reduce military aid for Colombia by $75 million and transfer those funds to programs that combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and other infectious diseases.

          American troops are increasingly spread thin by global commitments, particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan.  The U.S. needs to seriously examine the appropriate role for the American military in Colombia, develop a strategy that defines when U.S. goals for military assistance will be achieved, and reflects increased contributions by the Colombian government.

            As U.S. support for Colombia’s military effort continues to expand, so will the number of U.S. personnel on the ground in Colombia.  In November 2001, 117 U.S. military personnel and 220 U.S. citizen contractors were present in Colombia.  By May 2003, those numbers had grown to 358 military personnel and 308 contractors. 

            The Colombian government has pledged reforms and additional contribution in their defense commitments.  However, they have not yet passed a law requiring universal conscription eligibility, nor ensured an on-going basis for increased national defense spending.

            On Tuesday, July 15th, the Colombian government announced “Plan Colombia Phase II,” calling for substantial increases in U.S. assistance for 2006 and indefinitely into the future.

            The McGovern-Skelton amendment sends a strong signal to the Colombian government that it must make genuine and lasting reforms to its conscription law and to a sustained system for paying its fair share of its own national defense.

            The McGovern-Skelton amendment sends a strong signal to the Colombian military that it must, once and for all, break its ties to paramilitary groups cited on the State Department’s list of terrorist organizations.

            The McGovern-Skelton amendment also sends a message to the Administration that it must clearly define the nature of its commitment to Colombia – how long is the U.S. to be engaged there?  Do we have an exit strategy?  What are the costs over the long-term?  How might that affect our ability to respond to emergencies elsewhere?

            It’s time to get serious on ColombiaSupport the McGovern-Skelton amendment.

Sincerely,

            James P. McGovern                                                    Ike Skelton

            Member of Congress                                                    Member of Congress

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