Rick Allen: “I rise today to voice support for Freedom Consolidation Act of 2002 of which I am an original cosponsor. Over 5 years…”

“I rise today to voice support for Freedom Consolidation Act of 2002 of which I am an original cosponsor. Over 5 years ago, as Governor of Virginia I visited Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. I supported the admission of these Central European countries into NATO. And, wisely about 4 years ago the U.S. Congress enacted legislation that would ensure that Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic were not the last emerging or reborn democracies to join the NATO. That was the right decision then and it is the right decision now. We should bring such aspiring democracies into our fold. And include them in the important decisions and responsibilities that affect the world as a whole. The nations seeking admittance have worked hard to meet the strict requirements. Many of these nations have undergone monumental changes from the days of communist occupation that have positively transformed them into freely elected, legitimate governments. Expanding the alliance to include nations that have made great changes in establishing human freedoms in their laws and practices is consistent with the 1949 NATO Treaty preamble which reads: [The Parties] are determined to safeguard the freedom, common heritage and civilization of their peoples, founded on the principles of democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law . . . It is in the best interest of the United States to nurture young democracies around the world.”