Political Quotes

“I rise today in favor of the resolution of ratification for Montenegro's accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, better known as NATO. Many of my colleagues are unaware of the fact that the State of Maine has a special relationship with Montenegro. It is through the National Guard State Partnership Program. I thank the majority leader, Senator McConnell, Chairman Corker, Senator McCain, the Democratic leadership, Senator Johnson, Senator Murphy, and all of those who were instrumental in bringing this resolution to the floor for consideration today. Montenegro's accession to NATO will serve the strategic interests of the United States, it will help to promote stability in the Balkans, and it will make us safer. Montenegro has already proven its support for American interests, having sent troops to Afghanistan in support of NATO- and U.S.-led operations there. Although not yet a member of the European Union, Montenegro also voluntarily joined the EU sanctions regime against Russia in response to Moscow's illegal annexation of Crimea and destabilizing actions in eastern Ukraine. Most important, I have great confidence that Montenegro will meet the collective defense obligations of NATO membership.…”