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1997 SESSION

973222316
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 514
Offered January 17, 1997
Memorializing Congress not to authorize funds for military purposes other than those authorized by Congress and to insist, in any foreign military action, that U.S. troops be deployed only under U.S. command.
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Patrons-- Katzen, Bryant, Drake, Griffith, Ingram, Ruff, Tata, Wardrup and Way; Senators: Benedetti and Hawkins
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Referred to Committee on Rules
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WHEREAS, the President of the United States has affirmed that his foreign policy includes the deployment of U.S. military forces under the auspices of the United Nations or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO); and

WHEREAS, the deployment of U.S. forces in such trouble spots as Somalia, Haiti, and Bosnia highlights a potentially serious problem; and

WHEREAS, such deployments, especially under the auspices of the United Nations, create the real danger that U.S. troops will be asked to serve under the command of foreign officers; and

WHEREAS, the constitutional role of the U.S. military is to protect the life, liberty, and property of American citizens and to defend the United States against insurrection or foreign invasion; and

WHEREAS, many Virginians have valiantly defended the Commonwealth and the nation against their foes, have fought under the American flag, and wish to continue to serve only under that flag; and

WHEREAS, the commitment of U.S. military forces to foreign ventures, if authorized by Congress, should be undertaken only with the clear understanding and agreement that the U.S. troops will be commanded by U.S. officers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That Congress be urged not to authorize funds for military purposes other than those authorized by Congress and to insist, in any foreign military action, that U.S. troops be deployed only under U.S. command; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That Congress be urged to refuse to authorize any United States military activity under the authority of the United Nations or any other world body unless it is understood and agreed that U.S. troops will serve only under U.S. command; and, be it

RESOLVED FINALLY, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates transmit copies of this resolution to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the President of the United States Senate, the members of the Virginia Congressional Delegation, and the Director of the Virginia Liaison Office so that they may be apprised of the sense of the General Assembly of Virginia.