A member of the House Committee on International Relations, Congressman Leach noted that support for such an initiative is not confined to the United States. One hundred and fifty-six countries voted in favor of a U.S. proposal to encourage a cessation in the creation and deployment of antipersonnel mines. The support for that United Nations resolution underscores how very important it is that we continue to should our responsibility as a global power to advance international efforts with regards to the elimination of antipersonnel landmines. Congressman Leach also noted the strong support from prominent retired military personnel, including General Norman Schwarzkopf, for this bill.
Antipersonnel mines kill and maim thousands and thousands of civilians each year.
The tragic toll they are taking, particularly on children in Southeast Asia, is heart rending. While making limited exceptions for devices that may be used discriminatingly for genuinely defensive purposes, this bipartisan legislation would halt the United States' deployment of antipersonnel mines beginning January 1, 2000.