Orrin Hatch: “I rise today regarding the topic before us: Senate ratification to amend the North Atlantic Treaty to allow for the…”

“I rise today regarding the topic before us: Senate ratification to amend the North Atlantic Treaty to allow for the accession of Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. I wish to commend Senator Helms and Senator Biden for their sustained efforts to investigate thoroughly the issues inherent in this historic move. As befits the importance of the North Atlantic Treaty, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has held numerous public hearings and provided many briefings and reports giving consideration to all aspects--and all views--regarding this historic move. The Budget, Appropriations, Armed Services and Intelligence Committees in both bodies of Congress have further contributed to this valuable debate. Indeed, in the post-Cold War era in which we now find ourselves, I don't believe any issue has been more thoroughly vetted, and I thank my colleagues and the leaders of the relevant committees for their efforts. I have lent a great deal of thought to this issue.”