May 15, 1979
Page 11262
Mr. MUSKIE. Mr. President, I will vote for the Schweiker amendment with some reluctance — because it is substantially better than the Helms amendment and appears to be the least we can do today.
The question of Rhodesian sanctions has been debated many times in this body. There are many who feel strongly that the sanctions should be lifted while others feel just as strongly that sanctions should continue. It is a legitimate question for all Senators.
But before we vote on that question alone, we ought to ask ourselves what the outcome will signify — at this time — to the Rhodesians and to our adversaries and allies worldwide. We have not heard the evidence gathered by any observers to the recent elections, and indeed the new government chosen in those elections has not yet been formed. How can we responsibly make a decision on sanctions now?
What would such a decision say about the willingness of the Congress to be a responsible partner in foreign policy?
Last year Congress took the initiative and passed the Case-Javits amendment. This section of the International Security Assistance Act of 1978 authorizes the President to examine certain conditions regarding the political situation in Rhodesia before he can lift sanctions.
And yet today we were asked to accept the Helms amendment which would preempt the decision making process vested in the President — a process we authorized in Case-Javits.
Passage of this amendment would raise serious questions about Congress' ability to play a responsible role in foreign policy formulation. As lawmakers, we can help chart the President's direction as he carries out this country's foreign policy. But when we attempt to unilaterally take charge of the helm of the ship, Congress becomes irresponsible and places in jeopardy the same foreign policy process we claim to be protecting.
The President has firmly committed himself to abide by the Case-Javits amendment. Pursuant to the law, the President will make a determination regarding sanctions, after a new Rhodesian Government has been installed. This new government will take over during the first part of June.
The majority leader had prepared an amendment which would be consistent with the law in calling on the President to make his determination by June 30 or 14 days after the new government is installed, whichever is earliest. I would prefer that amendment. This provision allows adequate time for the President to carefully examine the Rhodesian situation and to consult with other concerned nations, including Great Britain.
Our goal in Rhodesia is majority rule and government stability. Sanctions were imposed to effectuate these goals. To lift these sanctions prematurely would vitiate that goal and could severely damage the efforts of the United States to bring lasting stability to not only Rhodesia but the entire southern Africa region.
The Schweiker amendment, being a sense of Congress resolution, preserves the President's prerogative while expressing the position of the Senate.