Helms Attacks Critics of Foreign Policy Bill

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jesse Helms (R-N.C.) lashed back Thursday at critics of Republican efforts to legislate foreign policy, calling President Clinton “reckless” and suggesting that Secretary of State Warren Christopher’s analysis makes no sense.

The legislation requires changes in U.S. policy toward Russia, North Korea, Cuba and China, including a mandate to recognize Tibet as an independent country. It also trims more than 10% from the budget for all U.S. foreign policy spending, including foreign aid, and it dismantles much of the foreign policy bureaucracy.

In a sarcastically worded letter to Christopher, Helms said he had “received and duly noted” a letter from Christopher earlier this week describing the legislation as a direct attack on the President’s constitutionally assured right to direct foreign affairs.

“A great many letters swirl around this town and, the game of politics being what it is, there is no requirement that any of them make sense,” Helms told Christopher.

Responding to Clinton’s assertion that the bill was the most isolationist legislation to reach Capitol Hill in half a century, Helms said: “I am obliged to observe that disagreeing with the present occupant of the Oval Office does not justify his reckless use of words such as ‘isolationist.’ ”

Referring to Christopher’s criticism of the bill, Helms said: “Its contents will in no way adversely affect my desire and intent to continue to work with you.”

Noting speculation earlier this year that Christopher’s job was in jeopardy, Helms told the secretary of state that, if he was forced to step down, “confirmation of your successor would be a long time down the road.”

Helms concluded: “I wish you well, my friend.”