On the recordMarch 6, 2019
Mr. Speaker, as co-chair of the Congressional Bulgaria Caucus, I appreciate Ambassador Tihomir Stoytchev and Mrs. Lubka Stoytchev for their hosting a reception yesterday in recognition of National Day of the Republic of Bulgaria at the Library of Congress, celebrating 141 years of liberation. Bulgaria is a close strategic ally and partner of the United States. This month, we celebrate 15 years since Bulgaria joined the NATO alliance. During his time recently in Sofia, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg noted: ``Bulgaria has contributed to strengthening the Alliance.'' He also thanked Prime Minister Boyko Borissov for his government's commitment to reach the NATO defense spending goal of 2 percent. I am confident the partnership between the United States and Bulgaria will continue to grow in the years ahead. It will be mutually beneficial to promote peace through strength. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. ____________________





