Because they believe that the Mexican economy is fundamentally strong. I commend Majority Leader Bob Dole and Speaker Newt Gingrich for their willingness to act in a bipartisan fashion to assist the President in moving the original guarantee proposal through the Congress. Regrettably they were unable to garner the necessary bipartisan support required to pass the legislation in a timely fashion. I think that the President was right in the judgment that the Mexican economy could not withstand the battering of another several weeks of uncertainty over whether the United States assistance would be forthcoming. Mr. President, we engage in vigorous debate in this body day in and day out.
Debate is clearly an integral part of the legislative process.
However, from time to time, an issue comes before the Congress that is so important and so sensitive that it mandates that partisan politics be set aside and that we come together in support of the President. I believe that the situation in Mexico is just such an issue. Mexico and the United States have had a long and enduring friendship. We share a 2,000-mile common border. We share a common commitment to democracy, liberty, and human freedom.