Trent Lott: “I will be brief as we complete debate on the resolution of ratification providing our advice and consent to the addition…”

“I will be brief as we complete debate on the resolution of ratification providing our advice and consent to the addition of Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. This has been an excellent debate in the finest traditions of the Senate. We have spent more than 40 hours on the resolution over the course of 9 days. Almost 50 Senators have made statement, many of them on several occasions. The Senate has considered 20 amendments. We have adopted 12 and rejected 8. This is in addition to the 4 conditions and 7 declarations in the committee's Resolution. Many people deserve credit in this debate. The Chairman of Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Helms, has shown great leadership. Senator Roth led the NATO Observer Group with energy and diligence. Senator Biden served as the lead Democrat to both and made valuable--and frequent--contributions to our debate. Senator Gordon Smith, Chair of the Europe Subcommittee played a central role. Many staff played key roles as well. Steve Biegun, Brian McKeon, Beth Wilson and Mike Haltzel of the Foreign Relations Committee can all now get on with their lives. Ian Brzezinski (BRA-zin-ski) with Senator Roth was always there for the Observer Group. The Congressional Research Service, especially Stan Sloan, on the floor now, provided invaluable services for members on both sides of the issue. Legislative Counsel Art Rynerson drafted virtually all of the language we have been debating.”