“The United States has met its obligation in Kosovo,” said Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC).  “We assumed the vast majority of the cost in the Kosovo air campaign and we have borne the brunt of the region’s peacekeeping operations. Unfortunately, our European allies have failed to meet their policing, reconstruction, and humanitarian aid commitments in Kosovo.”

 The amendment, offered during debate by Rep. John Kasich (R-OH) and backed by Rep. Jones, would require that the President submit a report before April 1, 2001 to certify that the European Commission, members of the European Union, and European members of NATO have met a specified percentage of their aid pledges to Kosovo.  If the President does not submit a certification and report before the April 1 date, all funds appropriated for U.S. military operations in Kosovo may be used only to conduct the safe, orderly, and phased withdrawal of U.S. ground forces from Kosovo.

“While more U.S. dollars head overseas each year, many of our veterans here at home are struggling to gain access to the quality medical care they were once promised and deserve.  The U.S. cannot continue to carry the water in the world’s peacekeeping and reconstruction operations while our allies slash their own defense budgets and shirk their own responsibilities. It is time that we demand that our European allies pay their fair share.”

 H.R. 4205 is under consideration by the House of Representatives.