Bob Dole: “it now is clear that the Russian spy scandal is as damaging as any in United States intelligence history--it may be…”

“it now is clear that the Russian spy scandal is as damaging as any in United States intelligence history--it may be months, if ever, before we know how much damage was done to United States security and how many lives were lost due to the Ames' treachery. It is also clear that the United States has moved too far, too fast in assuming that changes in Russia have permanently altered the international landscape. The administration has allowed Russia to veto NATO expansion. The administration has turned a blind eye to Russian military and intelligence activity in the former Republics of the Soviet Union. Last week, the administration welcomed a Russian military role in the Balkans. Now, we learn that Russia has continued and maintained a Soviet intelligence asset in the very core of the Central Intelligence Agency--a situation known to some administration officials well before the Moscow summit. I just guess or surmise that had we known this when we talked about foreign aid to Russia, it would not have passed. There is no doubt about it. There probably would not have been a vote for it on either side of the aisle. Russia has tried to minimize the importance of this affair--and that is a grave mistake. Russia cannot have it both ways. If they want to pursue cold war business as usual, the American Congress and American taxpayers will not keep sending billions for aid. Russia can and should take immediate steps to correct their policies.”