[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 82 (Thursday, May 29, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E859-E860]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          GEORGIA INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 29, 2014

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the National Council of Georgia 
declared Georgia's independence on May 26, 1918. After 117 years, the 
statehood of Georgia was finally restored. But Georgia's fight for 
independence was not over.
  In February 1921, Georgia was attacked by the Red Army. The 
Democratic Republic of Georgia was no more.
  Now the Georgia Soviet Socialist Republic, Georgia was in the midst 
of World War II. Georgia contributed almost 700,000 fighters, and 
provided vital textiles and munitions to the Allies.
  For the next 46 years, the Soviets occupied Georgia but Georgia was 
not complacent with Soviet rule. After the Soviet Union fell apart, 
Georgia finally became free again.
  Since regaining its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, 
Georgia has been a steadfast U.S. strategic partner in an important and 
often turbulent part of the world.
  But a certain country to the north does not like the fact that we are 
friends. In fact, the Napoleon of Siberia--as I like to call Putin--is 
set on breaking U.S. apart and restoring the glory days of the Soviet 
Union.
  As a country that continues to struggle against Russia's tyranny, 
Georgia knows better than anyone the threat Putin poses. Mr. Putin 
cannot be allowed to invade another sovereign country. The best way to 
stand up to Russia is to stand up together, as we have done so many 
times before.
  From the American perspective, there are few NATO strategic partners 
as capable and committed as Georgia. Georgia has been a key ally in our 
war on terror. Georgia's soldiers have stood shoulder to shoulder with 
ours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
  Georgia is the largest non-NATO contributor to the mission in 
Afghanistan. It has also served as a key logistical hub bringing troops 
and supplies in and out of the region. We have in turn, demonstrated 
our commitment to our relationship with the U.S.-Georgia Charter on 
Strategic Partnership.
  Since the signing of the Charter, the United States and Georgia have 
strengthened their mutual cooperation. Cooperation based on U.S. 
support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and its 
commitment to further democratic and economic reforms.
  I would like to see the U.S. be more vocally supportive of Georgia's 
Euro-Atlantic aspirations and provide a clear path to its eventual 
membership in NATO.

[[Page E860]]

  In February, Representative Keating and I proudly introduced a bill 
that affirms the U.S. Government's support for Georgia's eventual 
membership in NATO. It also calls on the Obama administration and our 
allies in Europe to formally extend to Georgia a Membership Action Plan 
at this year's NATO Summit in Wales.
  We must stand with those who have stood with us. We must honor 
independence by preserving independence. Together, I believe the United 
States and Georgia can help all peoples of the world hold on to the 
sweet taste of freedom.
  And that's just the way it is.

                          ____________________