Political Quotes

“Mr. President I wish to associate myself with other colleagues who have risen today to address the importance of the issue of NATO expansion. For almost a year's time now, I have expressed publicly, both in this country and in Europe, my deep reservations about the proposed expansion of this alliance. I listened carefully to a briefing about the remarks of my colleagues today, and I wish to associate myself with their remarks because I think this body must spend whatever time it feels is necessary to carefully analyze this question. NATO was put in place at a historic moment in our history. I always credit President Harry Truman for his foresight, together with that of others, regarding the importance of this wonderful, absolutely magnificent, military alliance that has exceeded, in every way, the expectations of its founders. Unquestionably, in this Senator's mind, and I think in the minds of many, we averted a military confrontation with the former Soviet Union as a consequence of the NATO treaty. I think that the basic tensions that existed in Europe at that time exist today, although not at the same level of intensity.”