Jeff Bingaman: “Let me just sum up my position. I do not think the amendment by the Senator from Arizona is related to this. That is a…”

“Let me just sum up my position. I do not think the amendment by the Senator from Arizona is related to this. That is a statement by the U.S. Senate as to what we think ought to be in the revised strategic concept. It is not a statement by the Council, NATO Council, as to what ought to be in there. I think it is important that we get agreement among our NATO allies as to what is in this strategic concept before we go ahead to invite new members. That is what my amendment says. Unless someone intends that we invite new members in the next 11 months, there is no delay involved in this. So I hope very much my colleagues will approve the amendment and add it to the treaty. I yield the floor and I yield back the remainder of my time.”