Angie Craig: “yesterday I put before the Senate a very straightforward amendment to our resolution of ratification that speaks to the…”

“yesterday I put before the Senate a very straightforward amendment to our resolution of ratification that speaks to the responsibility of the President as it relates to getting authorization for the continued mission of our U.S. military in Bosnia. I say that in the context of us debating NATO expansion because I think it is appropriate. It is appropriate because of the way this President has characterized the need to expand NATO from his perspective. He speaks about it no longer as just a defense mechanism for Europe; he speaks of it as a mechanism for the purpose of peacekeeping. We have heard several of our colleagues come to the floor in the last good number of days as we have debated this issue, frustrated by what will be the role of a new NATO, and how should we define that--at least from our understanding--as we move for the purpose of ratification, upholding our constitutional responsibilities, which are paramount on this issue. I am one of those Senators who has said very openly that I don't believe we ought to be expanding NATO at this time.…”