[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 130 (Monday, October 7, 2002)]
[House]
[Pages H7119-H7122]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOMMENDING THE INTEGRATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SLOVAKIA INTO THE NORTH 
                  ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION (NATO)

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to

[[Page H7120]]

the resolution (H. Res. 253) recommending the integration of the 
Republic of Slovakia into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization 
(NATO), as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 253

       Whereas the Slovak Republic came into existence in 1993 
     after a peaceful division of Czechoslovakia;
       Whereas Slovakia has consistently conducted peaceful 
     transfers of political power;
       Whereas Slovakia has demonstrated the maturity of its 
     democracy in democratic, free and fair elections of September 
     2002 with high voter turnout;
       Whereas Slovakia has shown a consistent record of progress 
     in the areas of human rights, civil society, and a free 
     market economy;
       Whereas Slovakia's past government (1998-2002), which 
     included three ethnic Hungarians, including a Deputy Prime 
     Minister, demonstrated its commitment to improved relations 
     with national minorities;
       Whereas Slovakia reconfirmed its ability to address issues 
     of the past, including the recent decision of its Government 
     to compensate the Holocaust victims;
       Whereas Slovakia has continually worked to retain civilian 
     control of its military through active participation with 
     North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces, and the 
     members of the North Atlantic community have cooperated 
     closely with the military of Slovakia in its reform;
       Whereas Slovakia has demonstrated its ability to operate 
     with the military forces of NATO members within activities of 
     the Partnership for Peace program and participated in 
     missions in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo;
       Whereas Slovakia sent its troops to Afghanistan in support 
     of the war against terrorism and Operation Enduring Freedom;
       Whereas Slovakia, geographically located in a strategically 
     significant position, contributed within the framework of 
     Visegrad Four together with its neighbors, the Czech 
     Republic, Hungary, and Poland--all members of NATO since 
     1999--to regional security and stability; and
       Whereas NATO will consider at its 2002 summit meeting in 
     Prague extension of invitations to new democracies of Central 
     and Eastern Europe to join the Alliance: Now, therefore, be 
     it
       Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of 
     Representatives that--
       (1) the Slovak Republic should be commended for progressing 
     toward political and economic liberty and for its efforts to 
     meet the guidelines for prospective North Atlantic Treaty 
     Organization (NATO) members set out in Chapter 5 of the 
     September 1995 Study on NATO Enlargement;
       (2) Slovakia would make significant contributions to 
     furthering the goals of the North Atlantic Treaty 
     Organization;
       (3) extension of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to 
     include Slovakia would significantly contribute to security 
     and peace of Europe and the region as a whole; and
       (4) Slovakia should be invited to be a full member of the 
     North Atlantic Treaty Organization alliance at the NATO 2002 
     summit in Prague.

  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 include extraneous material on H. Res. 253.
  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 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
New Jersey (Mr. Smith).
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend, the 
gentleman from California (Chairman Gallegly), for yielding me time.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 253, recommending the 
integration of Slovakia into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
  In my years of service with the Commission on Security and 
Cooperation in Europe, I have observed the sometimes difficult 
transition to democracy of this Central European country. It has been 
very difficult for them. It was because of Slovakia's own authoritarian 
leaders, most notably Vladimir Meciar, that Slovakia was rightly 
excluded from the accession process in 1997. Today, it is thanks to a 
new generation of bright and enlightened Slovak leaders that that 
situation has dramatically been reversed.
  To the credit of the Dzurinda government, many important changes have 
already been undertaken. The support of the U.S. Congress for 
Slovakia's admission to NATO reflects the deep respect my colleagues 
and all of us have for these remarkable achievements.
  Let me just say to my colleagues that the reform process in Slovakia 
should not end with the Prague-NATO summit. On the contrary, the long-
term well-being of Slovakia requires that this process continue and 
indeed intensify after November.
  In this regard, there are three areas that I believe deserve 
particular attention.
  First, the most recent elections clearly demonstrate Slovakia's 
ability to elect pro-democracy, pro-western governments that respect 
the sacredness and sanctity of human life. The results of the 1998 
elections were not a fluke but an illustration of real and meaningful 
democratic transition that first found its voice in civil society and 
then in the government itself. The question now is whether that 
maturity will also be found in a loyal opposition in the parliament, 
one that by definition has policy differences from time to time from 
the ruling coalition, but whose ultimate interest is in serving the 
Slovak people.
  Second, the Slovakia government must make headway in fighting 
corruption. Unless and until that happens, the rule of law will remain 
weak, economic development will go to other countries, and justice will 
be elusive.
  Finally, Slovak leaders must address in earnest the scourge of racism 
against the Roma. This problem, as we all know, is not unique to 
Slovakia. While other countries in the region have moved to counter the 
most alarming manifestations of hatred and intolerance, violent 
attacks, Slovakia has failed to bring these attacks under control. The 
NATO Participation Act of 1994, I would remind my colleagues, which all 
of us supported, made clear that ``participants in the Partnership for 
Peace should be invited to become full NATO Members if they remain 
committed to protecting the rights of all of their citizens.'' So we 
make a strong appeal to the Slovak leadership, please, undertake 
aggressive efforts to protect the Roma.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank again my good friend for his leadership 
on this issue.
  Ms. WATSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume, and I rise in strong support of this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I first would like to commend my good friend and 
colleague, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Stupak), for introducing 
this important resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, just a few minutes ago we considered H. Res. 468, which 
endorses membership in NATO for the Slovak Republic, along with six 
other applicants. This resolution before us highlights the political, 
economic and foreign policy accomplishments of the Slovak Republic 
since its ``velvet'' divorce from the Czech Republic in 1993 and 
specifically endorses its NATO membership.
  Slovakia did not have an easy beginning as an independent country. 
Its first post-independence government stalled on political and 
economic reforms, in stark contrast to its neighbors to the north, west 
and south. But the people of Slovakia elected a reform-minded 
government in 1998, which quickly moved to anchor Slovakia in the West, 
made NATO membership a cornerstone of its form foreign policy and 
joined the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland in a regional, political 
and economic grouping.
  The Slovak Republic has not only shown progress in the area of free 
market economy, but it also began to address different issues of the 
past, such as Jewish property restitution and compensation to the 
victims of the Holocaust. Relations with the ethnic Hungarian minority 
have also improved, and the previous government included three ethnic 
Hungarians as ministers. Although much more remains to be done in this 
area, I believe that membership in NATO will reinforce the message that 
the just treatment of national minorities is a key aspect of 
membership.
  The Slovak government has already demonstrated that it is interested 
in the ability to join NATO, first by participating in the SFOR and the 
KFOR operations, and by sending its troops to Afghanistan.

[[Page H7121]]

  Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. 
Stupak), the sponsor of this resolution.
  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me time 
for this opportunity to speak in support of expansion of the North 
Atlantic Treaty Organization.
  Mr. Speaker, I introduced H. Res. 253 to commend the Slovak Republic 
for its progress towards political and economic liberty and efforts to 
meet the guidelines of prospective NATO membership. Slovakia, once an 
authoritative regime, embraced a pro-western government in 1998 and 
freed its citizens from international isolation.
  On September 21, 2002, the Slovak government successfully held the 
third free and fair elections since its independence. Over 70 percent 
of the eligible voters turned out to express their new-found democratic 
right.
  The Slovak Republic now stands ready to play an integral part in 
defense of the free world. As a member of NATO, Slovakia would 
contribute to protection of member states and significantly benefit the 
security and peace of Europe and the region as a whole. Slovakia's 
leaders value the prospect of serving in our military alliance, while 
its citizens align themselves with NATO's common values and democratic 
mission.
  The NATO summit to discuss enlargement is scheduled for November 23, 
2002, in Prague. That is why this resolution is so timely.
  I thank the chairman, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde); the 
ranking member, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos); the 
subcommittee chairman, the gentleman from California (Mr. Gallegly); 
and the ranking member, the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Hilliard) for 
moving this resolution forward, because this resolution demonstrates 
that, among the other European countries vying for membership, Slovakia 
boasts the highest gross domestic product and a key geographical 
advantage, surrounded by other NATO member states.
  Let us send a clear message that Slovakia would make an excellent 
partner and deserves to be counted among the newest members of NATO.
  On a personal note, my ancestors are from Slovakia, so I am proud to 
present this resolution to the House for its consideration today.
  So I ask all Members to support H. Res. 253 and urge our 
international community to give Slovakia's bid for NATO membership new 
consideration.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 3 minutes.
  Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 253 was introduced by our previous speaker, the 
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Stupak), and endorses the candidacy of 
Slovakia for NATO membership. In light of the action about to be taken 
by the House, I believe this resolution is complimentary to H. Res. 468 
and elaborates the reasons why Slovakia should be included in NATO.

                              {time}  1745

  Five years ago, Slovakia was seriously under consideration for NATO 
membership, but was denied due to the government in power at the time. 
That government was subsequently replaced, but it threatened to return 
to power this year, again calling into question Slovakia's candidacy. 
However, Slovakia just recently held a very important national election 
and the current government has been returned to office. The outcome of 
the elections were one of the keys to the status of Slovakia's 
application to NATO. The election results did come out to everyone's 
satisfaction, and that has lessened the apprehensions about Slovakia's 
commitment to NATO.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the people of Slovakia for their 
strong showing in the election. Over 70 percent of the voting 
population actually voted. I also want to commend the work of our 
ambassador, Ron Weiser, and his entire embassy staff for their efforts 
to encourage a strong voter turnout.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge the adoption of this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  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 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
New York (Mr. Gilman), the chairman emeritus of the Committee on 
International Relations.
  (Mr. GILMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this 
time.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank our distinguished Committee on 
International Relations subcommittee chairman, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Gallegly), for his diligent work in bringing H. Res. 
486, the Transatlantic Security and NATO Enlargement Act, before us for 
consideration today. As a cosponsor of that resolution, it is my firm 
belief that NATO enlargement will not only affirm the importance of the 
North Atlantic Treaty Organization Act, but it will contribute to the 
stability and security of Europe and preserve and enhance its ability 
to effectively combat the scourge of terrorism.
  Today, the case for NATO enlargement is stronger than ever before. 
The September 11 attacks have reminded us of the common interests we 
share with our European allies. Thus, not only will NATO enlargement 
contribute to the process of integration that has helped us stabilize 
Europe over the past 50 years, but it will also help promote the 
development of strong new allies in our war on terrorism.
  Far from backing away from NATO enlargement, we should welcome all of 
those European democracies whose political stability, military 
contributions, and commitment to NATO's solidarity would be assets to 
the alliance. Each of the candidate countries have made remarkable 
progress in transitioning to Western-style democracies and free market 
economies. While each nation's challenge is different, they share a 
common thread: the desire to adopt a pluralistic form of democracy that 
respects human and civil rights, practices tolerance for ethnic and 
religious diversity, and demonstrates a healthy respect for the rule of 
law. They should be commended for both their accomplishments and their 
continued pursuit of these goals.
  Accordingly, I wish to strongly urge my colleagues to support this 
important resolution. Now, more than ever, we must pursue a wider, 
integrated NATO.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, we have no further requests for time. At 
this point I would urge my colleagues to support the adoption of this 
resolution.
  Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleagues in support 
of H. Res. 253 recommending the integration of the Republic of Slovakia 
into NATO.
  The people of the Slovak Republic understand the importance of 
national security and having the ability to maintain their national 
identity and sovereignty. Time and time again over the past centuries 
the Slovak people have been denied their independence. That is why they 
value the protection and security offered by membership in NATO.
  The Slovak Republic has made great strides and significant progress 
since its peaceful separation from the Czech Republic in 1993. While 
the transition to a newly independent nation has been at times 
difficult, the Slovak people are heroes who have survived imposed 
monarchy, fascism, communism and forced integration. The Slovak people 
are heroes again even in the face of economic challenges and all the 
problems of transforming a state economy into a free market and free 
enterprise society--they again displayed their courage to align with 
the West, free institutions and democracy. Therefore, it is fitting 
today that the United States Congress express its support for the 
people of Slovakia and their newly independent nation to join in the 
security afforded by the NATO organization.
  My hope is that Slovakians independence will be protected and 
preserved for future generations by its integration into NATO.
  I am pleased to join as a cosponsor of this legislative resolution. I 
am pleased to be the grandson of Slovak immigrants to the United 
States. May God Bless the Slovak people and May God Bless the United 
States in these difficult times of national security.
  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 resolution, H. Res. 253, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was 
agreed to.

[[Page H7122]]

  The title of the resolution was amended so as to read: ``Resolution 
recommending the integration of the Slovak Republic into the North 
Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).''.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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