[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 130 (Monday, October 7, 2002)]
[House]
[Pages H7117-H7119]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOMMENDING INTEGRATION OF LITHUANIA, LATVIA, AND ESTONIA INTO NORTH 
                  ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION (NATO)

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 116) recommending the 
integration of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia into the North Atlantic 
Treaty Organization (NATO).
  The Clerk read as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 116

       Whereas the Baltic countries of Lithuania, Latvia, and 
     Estonia are undergoing a historic process of democratic and 
     free market transformation after emerging from decades of 
     brutal Soviet occupation;
       Whereas each of these Baltic countries has conducted 
     peaceful transfers of political power--in Lithuania since 
     1990 and in Latvia and Estonia since 1991;
       Whereas each of these Baltic countries has been exemplary 
     and consistent in its respect for human rights and civil 
     liberties;
       Whereas the governments of these Baltic countries have made 
     consistent progress toward establishing civilian control of 
     their militaries through active participation in the 
     Partnership for Peace program and North Atlantic Treaty 
     Organization (NATO) peace support operations;
       Whereas Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are participating in 
     the NATO-led multinational military force in the Republic of 
     Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo;
       Whereas Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia are consistently 
     increasing their defense budget allocations and have adopted 
     laws providing that such allocations for defense will be at 
     least 2 percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) by 2002 
     for Lithuania and Estonia and by 2003 for Latvia;
       Whereas each of these Baltic countries has clearly 
     demonstrated its ability to operate with the military forces 
     of NATO nations and under NATO standards;
       Whereas former Secretary of Defense Perry stipulated five 
     generalized standards for entrance into NATO: support for 
     democracy, including toleration of ethnic diversity and 
     respect for human rights; building a free market economy; 
     civilian control of the military; promotion of good 
     neighborly relations; and development of military 
     interoperability with NATO;
       Whereas each of these Baltic countries has satisfied these 
     standards for entrance into NATO; and
       Whereas NATO will consider at its 2002 summit meeting in 
     Prague the further enlargement of its alliance: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That it is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are to be commended for 
     their progress toward political and economic liberty and 
     meeting the guidelines for prospective members of the North 
     Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) set out in chapter 5 of 
     the September 1995 Study on NATO Enlargement;
       (2) Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia would make an 
     outstanding contribution toward furthering the goals of NATO 
     should they become members;
       (3) extension of full NATO membership to these Baltic 
     countries would contribute to stability, freedom, and peace 
     in the Baltic region and Europe as a whole; and
       (4) with complete satisfaction of NATO guidelines and 
     criteria for membership, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia 
     should be invited in 2002 to become full members of NATO.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Gallegly) and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. 
Watson) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California (Mr. Gallegly).


                             General Leave

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their 
remarks and to include extraneous material on the concurrent resolution 
under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from 
New Jersey (Mr. Smith).
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished 
chairman for yielding me this time.

[[Page H7118]]

  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in support of H. Con. Res. 
116, recommending the integration of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia 
into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. I believe that these three 
nations have demonstrated the commitment necessary to become full-
fledged members of that organization and will prove to be valuable 
allies in the war against international terrorism and the effort to 
promote democracy, human rights, and the rule of law around the world. 
These are the foundations, of course, for peace and prosperity; and 
they will be and are even now major players.
  Mr. Speaker, 11 years ago with the collapse of the Soviet Union, 
Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania threw off the yoke of Soviet domination 
and regained their independence. Between World War I and World War II, 
they had been sovereign nations and respected members of the 
international community. In 1939, however, they were illegally 
partitioned between Hitler and Stalin as part of the infamous Molotov-
Ribbentrop agreement. Based on this agreement, Hitler gave Stalin the 
green light to seize the Baltic states.
  I am proud to state and to note that the illegal incorporation of 
Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania into the Soviet Union was never 
recognized by the United States Government. Now Estonia, Latvia, and 
Lithuania are again sovereign nations, respected members of the 
international community, desirous of joining and contributing to the 
most successful defensive alliance Europe has ever known. They are 
working individually and among themselves to improve their defense 
posture and coordination. All three Baltic states are major 
contributing forces to the stabilization force in Bosnia. In 
Afghanistan, an Estonia mine-detecting team is working with our forces 
near the Bagram air base. They are working assiduously towards 
membership in the European Union and play a significant role in the 
deliberations of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in 
Europe, which I chair.
  In the early 1990s, there were OSCE missions to Estonia and Latvia to 
assist in the resolution of the problem of integrating the non-native 
populations. These missions, I am very happy to say, have now been 
withdrawn as the challenges of integration recede further and further 
into history.
  I would be remiss, however, if I did not mention a rule of law 
concern that is relevant to this discussion. During and after World War 
II, millions of people fled Eastern and central Europe to escape Nazi 
and Communist persecution. Most of them lost everything they and their 
families had earned and built up over generations including homes, 
businesses, and artwork. Since the early 1990's these people or their 
descendants have tried to regain through legal means the properties 
that were confiscated. The Helsinki Commission, again a commission that 
seeks to implement the Helsinki Final Act, has monitored the property 
restitution and compensation efforts being made by post-Communist 
governments, and this past July we held our third hearing on that 
subject. Among the NATO candidate countries where the issue of property 
restitution has been particularly problematic are Lithuania, Croatia, 
and Romania.
  Central and East European governments have done much regarding 
property restitution; and indeed they have done some very good things, 
many of these countries. However, there needs to be done more in this 
area, and we would call upon them again as we encourage them to join 
NATO and are looking forward to this partnership which strengthens and 
deters against aggression that this issue needs to be resolved, and it 
needs to be resolved as quickly as humanly possible.
  Ms. WATSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  I rise in strong support of this resolution, and I commend the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus) for introducing this important 
resolution. Mr. Speaker, throughout the grim decades of the Cold War, 
the U.S. Congress consistently fought to ensure that the international 
community never acknowledged the incorporation of the Baltic states, 
Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, into the Soviet Union. Since these 
countries earned their independence in 1991, Congress has consistently 
supported their historic transformation into democratic and free market 
societies. From the first day of independence, all three Baltic 
countries made NATO membership a cornerstone of their foreign policy 
regardless of which political party controlled the government.
  Mr. Speaker, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have made Herculean 
efforts to prepare themselves for NATO membership. They have built 
armed forces modeled on Western armies. They have consistently 
maintained their defense budget at or around 2 percent of their GDP 
during these difficult economic times. Their people have consistently 
supported NATO membership with all its opportunities and commitments.
  Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have all sent troops to assist the 
European peace-making efforts under NATO. The Baltic states have also 
joined the United States in the war on terrorism by offering to deploy 
forces to Afghanistan as part of the Danish contingent. These countries 
had some difficult legacies to overcome including Holocaust-era issues 
and dealing with Russian ethnic minorities. Latvia and Estonia have 
made considerable progress on minority rights issues and Lithuania has 
worked with the Jewish community to address property restitution and 
other Holocaust issues. These countries are now on the right track. Mr. 
Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. 
Kucinich).
  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me 
this time.
  Mr. Speaker, the nations of Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania have long 
awaited accession to NATO; and throughout this country, people 
representing various communities supporting Latvia, Estonia, and 
Lithuania have been seeking for recognition not only for NATO but also 
recognition so that there can be a full involvement with the European 
community. It is so important that this Congress recognizes the 
importance of Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania to the world community and 
encourage not only excision but also encourage the full integration 
into the European community and the world community of these nations.

                              {time}  1730

  These nations have much to offer in terms of their commitment to 
democratic values, in terms of their commitment to development of their 
economies, in terms their commitment to technological development and 
in terms of their friendship with the United States.
  I think that this resolution, which seeks to support Lithuania, 
Latvia and Estonia, is a step along the way towards rewarding those 
nations that not only have pursued democratic traditions but also are 
attempting to be integrated with the economies of Europe and of the 
United States.
  NATO accession is seen as not simply being participation in the 
defense of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization member states, but 
also it is seen as an opportunity towards a more full participation in 
the world community on all the economic issues.
  So I am pleased to work with my good friend, the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Shimkus), and others who are concerned that this 
resolution receive this attention and support, and to stand here on 
behalf of those citizens in the Baltics, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, 
who have long awaited this moment when their nations would be 
recognized, and all of their friends in this country who have long 
awaited the moment for the United States to show support for the 
integration of these nations and for accession of these nations.
  This is an important moment, and I am proud to be here on the floor 
to join with my colleague from California and to state to the world 
community that Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania are ready, they have been 
willing, they are able, and they deserve the support of the Congress of 
the United States.
  Ms. WATSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for 
time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 116, which was 
introduced by our colleague, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus).

[[Page H7119]]

  In light of the action taken by the Subcommittee on Europe and just 
now by the House, which endorsed the Baltic States for membership in 
NATO, I believe this resolution is complimentary to H. Res. 468 and 
should be adopted.
  The resolution endorses the candidacies of Estonia, Latvia and 
Lithuania for NATO membership and discusses in detail why the three 
Baltic nations deserve to be invited into the alliance.
  Mr. Speaker, last year, the Baltic nations celebrated the 10th 
anniversary of the resumption of their independence after a long period 
of Soviet dominance. The changes which have taken place in those 
countries has been amazing in every aspect. The total political, 
economic and social transformation they have gone through in 
preparation for NATO and EU membership has been impressive, and they 
deserve to be recognized or their accomplishments by being invited to 
join the alliance.
  The author of this legislation, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. 
Shimkus), has long been a supporter and spokesman for the Baltics, 
serving as the chairman of the Baltic Caucus in the House. He has given 
tireless devotion to promoting these countries and their 
accomplishments. Passage of this resolution is as much about his 
dedication as it is about theirs.
  Mr. Speaker, I do not believe there could be any better additions to 
the NATO alliance than these three nations, and I urge the adoption of 
the resolution.
  Mr. TERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. 
Res. 116 to recommend the integration of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia 
into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
  Since its inception in 1949, NATO has served as a vehicle for peace 
and stability throughout Europe. While the imminent threat of the 
Warsaw Pact has passed, one need not look far to see the continued 
utility of NATO. Far from becoming a defunct organization when the 
Berlin wall fell 13 years ago, NATO has adapted to the changing 
security dynamics of the post-cold war era and has continued to be a 
means through which we can achieve peace in Europe.
  One of the most measurable successes of NATO is the eagerness of 
former Warsaw Pact countries and former Republics of the Soviet Union 
to join the western alliance. Three years ago, we officially welcomed 
Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. At the Prague Summit in 
November the alliance will once again consider expanding its 
membership. We should recognize the tremendous gains the states of 
Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have made by accepting them into the 
NATO fold.
  Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have all individually made 
extraordinary advances toward democracy and free market principles. 
Each has successfully thrown off the yoke of Soviet oppression and has 
instituted government structures that assure freedom and rule of law 
for their citizens. Each has demonstrated a respect for human rights 
and a desire to be oriented toward the freedom-loving states of the 
West. Each has actively worked to achieve the standards necessary for 
accession into NATO, and each has succeeded in this endeavor.
  Membership in NATO will help cement the progress the Baltic states 
have made since achieving independence in 1991. More importantly, NATO 
expansion to incorporate the Baltic states, as former republics of the 
Soviet Union, will serve to strengthen the alliance in its mission to 
secure peace and security in the Euro-Atlantic region.
  As a member of the House Baltic Caucus, I applaud the strides that 
Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have made and urge my colleagues to join 
me in supporting this resolution.
  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, as an American of Lithuanian decent, and 
cochairman of the House Baltic Caucus, it is with great pride that I 
rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 116. This resolution supports the 
integration of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia into NATO.
  In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, I believe it is even more 
important than ever to secure Europe through NATO enlargement. This 
past year there has been a fundamental shift in the argument over NATO 
membership. We are no longer questioning ``if'' NATO will expand, we 
are asking ``who'' will be invited to join in 2002. In a major foreign 
policy address at Warsaw University on June 15, 2001, President George 
W. Bush spoke decisively for enlarging NATO to include the Baltic 
nations when he said, ``All the new democracies, from the Baltic to the 
Black Sea, should have the same chance for security and freedom to join 
the institutions of Europe.'' Now, even the NATO defense ministers are 
telling the press that the decision has already been made to invite the 
Baltic countries to join at the Prague Summit next month.
  When considering H. Con. Res. 116, it is important to remember the 
Baltic's history. Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia lost their independence 
in 1940 after the signing of the Molotov-Ribbentropo Pact that placed 
the Baltic States in the Soviet sphere of influence. The United States 
never recognized the legitimacy of the Soviet occupation. For over 50 
years, the Baltic people endured unspeakable horrors under Stalin's 
totalitarian regime. With incredible tenacity and bravery, they 
resisted occupation. In 1991 they reasserted their independence, 
causing the domino effect that led the collapse of the Soviet Union.
  Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are among the greatest success stories 
of post-communist Europe. Against all odds, in the decade since they 
regained independence, the Baltic countries have established stable 
democratic governments, free market economic systems, and exemplary 
respect for human rights and civil liberties. With reoccupation a 
possible long-term threat, they have turned their efforts toward 
security which can only be achieved by joining NATO.
  Submitting their applications for NATO membership in 1994, the 
Baltics have already been contributing as if they were members of the 
alliance. Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia have all sent troops to assist 
the European peacekeeping efforts under NATO, the United Nations, the 
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, as well as 
essential linguistic support for the current campaign against 
terrorism. Despite their modest budgets and tremendous social needs, 
each country has committed itself to spending 2 percent of its GDP on 
military preparations in compliance with the membership action plan 
(MAP). This is remarkable because in comparison, many NATO members, 
including Germany, do not currently spend 2 percent of their GDP on 
defense. H. Con. Res. 116 backs Baltic membership contingent on the 
completion of the membership action plan (MAP) requirements, which they 
have been vigorously pursuing.
  There are some who argue that Baltic membership in NATO will cause a 
dangerous tension with Russia. I respectfully disagree. Expanding the 
umbrella of protection to the Baltics will never pose a threat to 
Russia. Instead it will enhance stability to Moscow's west, which is to 
Russia's advantage. In the recent past, Russia raised the same 
complaints about Poland's candidacy, and now that Poland has joined the 
alliance, the two countries have a better relationship than ever 
before. Baltic inclusion into NATO will have the same effect. Baltic 
membership might temporarily wound Russian pride, but it will be 
beneficial in the long term, forcing Russia to focus on its ailing 
economy, not its geopolitical situation.
  Moreover, in light of the terrorist attacks, Russia seems to be 
accepting Baltic membership. On October 3, 2001 Russian President 
Vladimir Putin stated in Brussels that he is prepared to reconsider 
Russia's opposition to NATO enlargement. Putin stated that September 
11th has brought relations between Russian and the West to a ``new 
level.''
  While relations between the United States and the Baltic countries 
are very strong, the Baltics feel like the west abandoned them in 
exchange for peace with Moscow after World War II. If we fail to extend 
NATO membership to the Baltics in this round of enlargement, they will 
believe that we have scarified them once again. It would stall the 
reform movements underway which are fueled by hope for NATO membership 
and could cause instability in the region.
  I introduced H. Con. Res. 116 because it is very important for the 
House of Representatives to send a message to NATO leaders before the 
2002 summit that the United States stands firmly behind the Baltics' 
candidacy. Only NATO membership will enhance security in Europe. Until 
they are invited to join, the Baltic region will remain ripe for crises 
that could contaminate the United States-Russian relationship and 
threaten European security. For these reasons, I ask you to vote for H. 
Con. Res. 116.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Petri). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. Gallegly) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 
116.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the concurrent resolution was 
agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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