Benjamin Gilman: “Mr. Chairman, section 604(a) of H.R. 872 directs the President to establish a program to assist in the transition of…”

“Mr. Chairman, section 604(a) of H.R. 872 directs the President to establish a program to assist in the transition of full NATO membership of Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia and any other country emerging from Communist domination that is designated by the President. The author of this amendment, Mr. Torricelli and the administration opposes the mandatory establishment of this program. That is no surprise to me. This administration, and in fact, any administration, nearly always opposes congressionally mandated initiatives. I am reminded of the Bush administration's vociferous objections to the establishment of the Nunn-Lugar program. And also to the establishment of the nonproliferation and disarmament fund which was a part of the Freedom bill. In fact, I am quite confident that each and every Member here can point to examples of congressional initiatives which this and other administrations have opposed. It seems to me that if it is not their idea then it is not a good idea. Permit me to explain why I think it is so important to direct that this program be established.”