James T. Callahan: “I once again rise reluctantly in opposition to the amendment that the gentleman from Wisconsin would offer, because I…”

“I once again rise reluctantly in opposition to the amendment that the gentleman from Wisconsin would offer, because I deeply respect his vast knowledge of world affairs. However, while I hold my friend's foreign policy views in high regard, I must tell him that I do not think that this amendment will achieve his objective. It will simply undermine, I think, our relationship with a key friend in South Asia. The United States has an extensive security relationship with the Government of Thailand. Our military conducts numerous joint exercise programs with the Thai military, including frequent port visits by the United States Navy. The United States also actively collaborates with the Thai military. In addition, the prepositioning of munitions and other military equipment improves the readiness and logistical reach of United States forces in this region. Thailand's cooperation and reconnaissance support for our counterdrug effort is essential to the United States ability to cut drug trafficking in Asia. And finally, Thailand is equally essential to the success of the Joint Task Force for Full POW-MIA Accounting and its effort to answer the remaining questions about Americans missing in action. IMET training itself is invaluable for the Thai military.”