Political Quotes

“I rise in support of H.R. 3167, the Gerald Solomon Freedom Consolidation Act of 2001. I am a proud cosponsor of this legislation which memorializes congressional support for further NATO expansion that is set to take place at the 2002 Prague Summit. This is in line with the President's intent stated on his trip to Warsaw, Poland, and I quote, ``I believe in NATO membership for all of Europe's democracies that seek it and are ready to share the responsibility that NATO brings. As we plan the next NATO Summit in 2002, we should not calculate how little we can get away with, but how much we can do to advance the cause of freedom.'' He also stated that he envisioned a NATO that extends from the Baltic to the Black Sea, a NATO whole, free and secure. As chairman of the Baltic Caucus and a member of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, I am a strong supporter of the NATO enlargement, especially for the Baltic states. In the wake of September 11, I believe that enlisting the talents of the Baltics and others who are eager to make contributions to NATO will be instrumental to defeating terrorism.”