Lee Hamilton: “Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to the Callahan/Solomon amendment to cut U.S. assistance to the New…”

“Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to the Callahan/Solomon amendment to cut U.S. assistance to the New Independent States of the Former Soviet Union by nearly 50 percent and to prohibit U.S. aid to Russia for anything but humanitarian purposes. This is a dangerous and ill-advised initiative. Let me address three issues. I. U.S. Interests in Russia First, U.S. assistance to Russia continues to be in the U.S. national interest. Russia is in the process of a massive political and economic transformation. The outcome of this process will have a direct impact on the security of the United States. The success of reform in Russia would mean: a reduced nuclear threat; reduced U.S. defense spending; a more stable Europe and peaceful world; and, lucrative access to Russia's vast natural resources and huge market. U.S. support for this reform process is making an important contribution. Pulling out now would aid those such as Zhirinovsky and other extremists who want to see Russia return to the old system and the old way of doing business. This would be a disaster not only for Russia and its neighbors, but for U.S. and Western interests.”