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 Colombia. Support the McGovern-Skelton
amendment.
Sincerely,
James P. McGovern
Ike Skelton
Member of Congress
Member of Congress