I was distraught at the response of the United States Government to the crisis as it emerged during the summer months when rebel troops approached and entered Monrovia and Charles Taylor refused to relinquish power. It was pathetic to see US aircraft carriers anchored off the coast of Monrovia watching events, while the US Administration refused to send troops, apart from a small number of marines dispatched to protect the US ambassador who remained in the city. The United States has a special responsibility to Liberia given the long history of slave trading between the US and western Africa and the large-scale repatriation of many Americans to Liberia in the earlier part of the last century. I have expressed support for the United States Government in the House on many issues, but on this occasion it has not fulfilled its special responsibility to the Liberian people. As a friendly country, we should point this out to the United States in an open and honest manner. While there is an international responsibility to commit troops to the mission, there is a particular onus on the United States because of its historical connection with Liberia.