19 years ago when I was privileged to come to the U.S. Senate, the leadership had just a year or so before passed from one of our most distinguished Members, the senior Senator from Montana, Mike Mansfield. A few weeks ago in the old…

the American people will defend, under article V, the integrity of all the existing members. Should it be the wisdom of this body that if three additional members are admitted, article V becomes the very heart of the action that will be…

There has been a historical--over a 100 years--inability of the major nations of Europe to live in peace with one another. Indeed that is the principal purpose of NATO--the U.S. presence, both with military there, with a strong voice so as…

But, if I may further engage my friend and colleague, if I had to list my concerns in this debate on this amendment and the others today, cost always comes back and rings in my ear, as well as the security of the men and women of the Armed…

I point out in the beginning that this amendment does not affect the decision with respect to Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic, nor does this amendment concede what I believe is the right thing to do in voting against the admission…

I was in the air part. I went up to the division, and I remember the Turkish units, and they were superb fighters.

It is my hope--indeed, my expectation--that someday the EU will have a realization of that contribution and consider their membership. But I don't think this argument that NATO has admitted nations without EU membership carries any weight…

I wish to thank all Senators for very, very careful consideration of this amendment. It is a strong vote. It sends a very strong signal. I recognize the conflict that some had in casting their votes, but I think it is important that we…

I shall cast my vote in opposition for the reasons that I have stated over the past several days in what I regard is an excellent debate. But if it is the will of two-thirds of the U.S. Senate that this ratification go forward, then I…

I want to follow along. The Senator from Oregon touched on the historical context of how nations are admitted into NATO, and there was some thought that Turkey--regrettably they are not a member of the EU, but we must remember that at the…

The point is, to Senator Biden's comment on the issue of the nuclear weapons. The Senator from New York and I are not rattling the nuclear saber and trying to utilize fear as a point. There is a very logical argument as it relates just to…

Essentially, all the distinguished Senator from Texas is asking is that we lay down the proposal, and if the NAC repeats the position that you just recited, that is the end of the purpose of the amendment. Therefore, I am wondering why we…

But the point is, we don't know what NATO is going to look like after we accept 12 nations, going from 16 to 28, and bringing in a realm of geography. We understand the Cyprus dispute. It is age old. We understand how two senior military…

First, I want to add a fact. I consulted with the distinguished Senator from Texas, and she said that she, in turn, has consulted with Ambassador Hunter, who preceded the Ambassador you just referred to, the incumbent--and, by the way, the…

it is a term of endearment and it rests equally on both sides. I just regret that the Senator is of the wrong party. Other than that, he is doing good.

I thank my colleague. I am just going back to read the charter, article V, and this is the heart and soul of NATO. It says that parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered…

It is important in this debate that we begin to establish a few fundamentals with some correctness. The defense budget will be around $260 billion to $270 billion, but it does not contain the funds to which my distinguished colleague is…

if I could clarify, the funds the Senator is talking about come out of the Department of State budget, not the defense budget.

It is well-taken. At every opportunity the Armed Services Committee will do that. Your question is correct, but I say to my good friend that while there is no fixed-in-law obligation for an increased contribution on behalf of the United…

The mix of NATO is the collective security of member nations and the collective security of the continent that they occupy. That has been the traditional mission. Now, you are recognizing these are threats, and I agree they are becoming…

If it is to be interpreted as saying that remains as the goal, then I am comfortable with the amendment. But as drawn, largely due to the defining language, I have a problem with it in its present form.

the Senator is a little swift in saying that is covered. Look, in paragraph 10, in referring to such disputes as ethnic and religious enmity, they say this response: ``These tensions which may result as long as they remain limited should…

we thank the Senator and with that assurance I will give you my support. But the amendment is to restrict in some way the expressions in the resolution that is before the Senate.

if I might, if I could restate what the Senator is trying to achieve with his amendment, is simply to say when NATO establishes the military requirements of three new nations, the costs associated with each of the nations and their ability…

if I can make a historical observation. You raise the passions by saying we didn't come to the defense of Poland. It was September of 1939 when Hitler directed his forces across the border with an element of surprise with the panzer…