Legislature(1999 - 2000)
05/04/1999 03:35 PM Senate STA
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
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SJR 24-KOSOVO CONFLICT
SENATOR WILKEN moved to adopt CSSJR 24 in lieu of the original
bill. There being no objection, the motion carried.
MR. ROBERT KROGSENG, staff to Senator Taylor, sponsor of SJR 24,
made the following comments. SJR 24 will let members of the Armed
Services know that Alaskans support them in their efforts to bring
a halt to the atrocities being carried out by Milosevic. CSSJR 24
acknowledges the bravery and sacrifices of all military forces and,
in particular, those military men and women who are Alaskans or are
stationed in Alaska. While some may not agree with the methods
being used to accomplish the goal of the NATO Alliance, we support
our military men and women who are being asked to participate in
this conflict and courageously place themselves in harm's way. The
committee substitute does not contain language referring to the
POWs as it is no longer applicable due to their release. He urged
the committee's support of CSSJR 24.
SENATOR GREEN noted some members of the public view this resolution
as endorsing the President's actions and are offended by it.
Number 064
CHAIRMAN WARD stated he has no problem supporting the Alaska
military overseas anytime, however he is uncomfortable supporting
the language on page 2, lines 21-22, because he is not sure that he
supports NATO's actions.
MR. KROGSENG stated the intent of the resolution is to support
those "in the trenches," including troops from other NATO
countries, not to support the decision to be involved.
CHAIRMAN WARD stated that Senator Stevens pointed out, after
returning from Kosovo, that NATO is preventing the bombers, the
majority of whom are American, from bombing the necessary targets.
MR. KROGSENG agreed, but said he still feels the Alaska Legislature
should provide support to the troops.
CHAIRMAN WARD maintained his support for American troops and said
that although he agrees with Senator Stevens, he disagrees with the
Senator's decision to publicly state that American troops are being
put under the misguided rule of NATO.
Number 120
MR. KROGSENG repeated that this resolution does not endorse NATO's
actions, it supports the combat troops involved.
SENATOR WILKEN clarified that NATO is not at the top of the chain
of command and that no American serviceperson is taking command
from one of the allied forces commanded by NATO. He clarified that
American troops are taking command from US Armed Services'
officers.
CHAIRMAN WARD disagreed and noted that Senator Stevens expressed
concern that NATO is taking easy political outs in an attempt to
achieve its own political advantages to the detriment of American
soldiers.
MR. KROGSENG stated he flew 230 missions in Viet Nam and could
relate to the frustration experienced by American troops involved
in the current situation. He added it is easier for the guy doing
the actual work knowing people support him even though they
disagree with the overall policy.
CHAIRMAN WARD noted until now, NATO has been in a defensive
position in its 50 year existence, therefore we are at a crossroad
in which foreign countries are dictating to American servicemen.
Number 192
SENATOR WILKEN repeated American troops are taking orders from
American commanders in consultation with the NATO Allied Forces.
CHAIRMAN WARD stated his understanding is the opposite; American
commanders are being held back from taking normal military actions
because of the NATO machinery which it cannot control.
SENATOR GREEN suggested the following amendment. On page 1, delete
lines 8-10, and reword lines 11 and 13 to read:
WHEREAS the armed forces of the United States are
currently participating in the campaign against Serbian forces
in Kosovo to stop the ethnic cleansing activities; and
On page 2, lines 21 and 22, delete "of the military personnel of
NATO countries involved".
In addition, SENATOR GREEN suggested removing the reference to
President Clinton and Congress on line 23 and rewording the
remainder of the sentence.
CHAIRMAN WARD said he would feel more comfortable including the
Senator Green's suggested amendments.
SENATOR ELTON stated he agrees with the sponsor's language for
several reasons. First, it is clear the resolution does not
endorse the choices made by NATO or its command structure. Second,
the resolution expresses clear support for the troops doing the
job.
Number 277
SENATOR GREEN moved to delete lines 8-10 on page 1, and to change
lines 11 and 12 to read:
"WHEREAS the armed forces of the United States are
currently participating in the campaign against Serbian forces
in Kosovo;"
and change lines 20-23 on page 2 to read:
"FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of the Alaska State
Legislature express their heartfelt concern for the safety of
the United States military personnel in the conflict, and of
the refugees who are fleeing Kosovo;"
and to delete the remainder of the sentence.
SENATOR ELTON objected to bring to Senator Green's attention that
if the concern is the implication that the United States is
acceding control to NATO, the language on page 2, lines 23 - 25
should be retained, because it says that final control of the
mission ought to be in the hands of the President and Congress.
SENATOR GREEN said so many people disagree with President Clinton's
actions on this matter but that other language might be substituted
regarding a quick and peaceful resolution.
Number 320
SENATOR ELTON agreed that many members of Congress disagree with
President Clinton on this matter but he emphasized the need to
retain the language suggesting that the President and Congress work
as hard as possible to bring about a long lasting resolution. He
added that if the resolution does not suggest that the President
and Congress do it, it could imply that NATO is the appropriate
organization to find a resolution.
SENATOR GREEN agreed but said she did not know how to amend the
amendment.
SENATOR WILKEN moved to amend Amendment 1 by deleting, on page 2,
line 1, the words, "of the military personnel of NATO countries
involved in the conflict,".
SENATOR GREEN was agreeable to Senator Wilken's amendment to
Amendment 1 and said her concern was that no one think that the
Alaska Legislature tacitly approves of the President's actions by
calling on him to continue those actions.
There being no objection, Amendment 1 as amended was adopted.
Number 344
SENATOR WILKEN asked whether Representative Don Young has been
contacted about his votes last week on this issue in Congress.
MR. KROGSENG thought Senator Taylor spoke with Congressman Young
the previous week but was unaware of the discussion.
SENATOR WILKEN noted there is no need to send a copy of the
resolution to Congressman Young since he voted against supporting
military activity last week. He moved Amendment 3, to delete the
words on page 3, lines 7-8, "and the Honorable Don Young, U.S.
Representatives, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress".
SENATOR ELTON objected and again repeated that SJR 24 as amended
does not endorse the military action in Kosovo, it endorses the
troops.
SENATOR WILKEN maintained his motion to adopt Amendment 3 on the
basis that Representative Young voted against a similar resolution
in Congress on two occasions.
SENATOR GREEN questioned whether sending a resolution to Alaska's
congressional delegation is a matter of protocol.
SENATOR ELTON removed his objection, therefore Amendment 3 was
adopted.
SENATOR WILKEN moved to send a copy of SJR 24 as amended to Colonel
Canolas, General Cash, General Cash, and the Adjutant General of
the Alaska Air National Guard. There being no objection, the
motion carried.
SENATOR WILKEN moved to move CSSJR 24(STA) from committee with
individual recommendations. There being no objection, the motion
carried.
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