Kosovo and the 106th Congress (CRS Report for Congress)
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| Release Date |
Jan. 18, 2001 |
| Report Number |
RL30729 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Julie Kim, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
The Kosovo crisis and aftermath dominated U.S. foreign policy during much of the 106th
Congress.
From 1999 to 2000, international focus on Kosovo evolved from peace negotiations to a NATO air
war to post-war peacekeeping and an international protectorate for the province. Scenarios regarding
the use of U.S. military forces in and around Kosovo were a central issue in the Congress. Before,
during, and after NATO's air operation against Serbia in early 1999, some Members of Congress
challenged the President's authority under the Constitution to engage U.S. armed forces in military
operations in the Balkans without congressional approval. A greater number of others, however,
abandoned or rejected options that might have dictated a forced removal of U.S. armed forces from
Kosovo operations. Antagonistic relations between Congress and the White House, as well as
divisions within both parties, at times undermined the effort to reach consensus on legislation. For
the most part, Congress supported the President's requests for funding for military operations, but
was less supportive of funding requests for civilian reconstruction programs.
During Operation Allied Force , Members of Congress spoke out for and against the
mission.
The constitutional role of Congress in decisions regarding the use of force became a prominent focus
of debate. However, Congress rejected resolutions that would declare outright war against Serbia
or, alternatively, mandate the removal of U.S. armed forces from the region. Congress also
considered alternative strategies such as preparing for a possible ground invasion of Serbia and
promoting the democratic opposition to Milosevic's rule in Serbia.
After Milosevic agreed to NATO's terms to terminate the air operation in June 1999, attention
turned to peacekeeping and the international administration of the Kosovo province. The
commitment of U.S. resources and burden-sharing with the European allies became a major concern
in Congress. Several pieces of legislation reflected this concern.
Near the end of the 106th Congress, events took a dramatic turn in Serbia. Slobodan Milosevic
was forced to step down from power after losing democratic elections and facing massive public
demonstrations against his continued rule. The new situation in Serbia and the ongoing peace efforts
in Kosovo are likely to be prominent issues of interest to the new Administration and the 107th
Congress. Changes in the post-Milosevic period may carry implications for the NATO-led military
presence in the Balkans.
This report first reviews key developments in Kosovo and U.S. policy during 1999 and 2000.
It then examines the congressional responses to the Kosovo peace talks at Rambouillet, the NATO
air war against Yugoslavia, the aftermath and lessons learned from the conflict, and the subsequent
efforts by the United States and other countries to reconstruct and stabilize Kosovo. A concluding
section looks to potential trends that may become important in the 107th Congress. Appendices
provide a survey of key legislative provisions on Kosovo.
