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DATE=9/28/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CONGRESS-INDONESIA (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-254422
BYLINE=PAULA WOLFSON
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=
VOICED AT: 
INTRO:  Several pieces of legislation are pending in 
the U-S Congress dealing with the crisis in East 
Timor.  A Senate Committee is backing a bill that 
calls for a cut-off of all U-S assistance to Jakarta, 
except humanitarian aid.  V-O-A's Paula Wolfson 
reports the House of Representatives is focusing on 
the Australian-led international peace keeping force.
TEXT:  The House is showing strong support for the 
peacekeepers.
By an overwhelming vote (390-38), members passed a 
resolution endorsing the rapid deployment of the U-N 
backed multinational force.
The resolution has a special meaning for Congressman 
Brian Bilbray - the only member of the House of 
Australian descent.  The California Republican views 
the deployment in a rather philosophical way.
            ///BILBRAY ACT/// 
      This resolution recognizes, in my opinion, the 
      New World order of peacekeeping that we need to 
      look forward to as go into the next millennium.  
      And that is an order that says: "the United 
      States will be involved anywhere and everywhere 
      it can be, but the nations in the communities 
      where the problems occur must take the lead."  
            ///END ACT///
But some House members fear a wider conflict could be 
coming, with greater participation by U-S troops.  
Texas Republican Ron Paul says Congress should not 
give unqualified support to the peacekeeping mission.
            ///PAUL ACT/// 
      We are not just endorsing a humanitarian effort 
      to help people who are suffering.  We are 
      literally giving the President carte blanche 
      (open-ended approval) to go and commit war in 
      this area. 
            ///END ACT///
His voice was drowned out (overpowered) during the 
House debate by lawmakers who said the world could not 
sit idly by.  California Democrat Tom Lantos was 
blunt.
            ///LANTOS ACT/// 
      The Indonesian military, Mr. Speaker, has blood 
      on its hands for its behavior over the past few 
      months.  And we must keep the pressure on the 
      Indonesian government to finally do the right 
      thing. 
            ///END ACT///
The measure passed by the House does not compel the 
Clinton administration to do anything.  It merely 
expresses the opinion of the legislature, and sends a 
message to Jakarta.
But it is very likely this non-binding resolution will 
not be the last word on the matter from Congress.  The 
Senate Foreign Relations Committee has endorsed a bill 
that would suspend most aid to Jakarta until peace is 
restored to East Timor.  (SIGNED)
NEB/PW/BK
28-Sep-1999 15:11 PM LOC (28-Sep-1999 1911 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.