Political Quotes

“over the past several years the Congress has become increasingly interested in the distribution of costs for the collective defense of the United States and its allies. Much of that interest has been generated by the efforts of the distinguished Senator from New Jersey [Mr. Lautenberg], and he deserves credit for keeping our attention on this issue. I am happy to cosponsor this amendment to retain the office of Ambassador at Large for Burdensharing. For most of the Cold War, the U.S. occupied a position of both military and economic supremacy within the Western alliance. During this time, America shouldered the largest share of the burden for the common defense of Western Europe, Japan, Korea, and other allies. We all know that after World War II the United States stood as the only Western nation with the industrial and economic might to carry this responsibility. It is a role which we played well and one of which we should be proud. But as our allies have grown and prospered over the years, and as the threats to them have receded, the share of the costs borne by the United States has become unreasonably high.”