[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 178 (Wednesday, December 9, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1750]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         U.S.-GEORGIA RELATIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 9, 2015

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as co-chair of the Georgia Caucus 
along with Congressman Gerald Connolly, I would like to take a moment 
to discuss the importance of a strong U.S.-Georgia relationship.
  Our ally Georgia is a beacon of hope for democracy and capitalism in 
Eastern Europe. In a region full of turmoil, Georgia continuously 
strives to spread the ideologies of democracy and freedom to all. While 
there is still work to be done, Georgia has made many advances in 
recent years to strengthen democratic values.
  Georgia has proved to be a strategic trade partner. U.S. trade with 
Georgia has increased over the past several years as Georgia continues 
to bolster its democratic and market-economy institutions. In light of 
this growth, it would be a smart move to initiate negotiations on a 
U.S.-Georgia Free Trade Agreement. In 2012, President Obama announced 
that Georgia and the U.S. had agreed to a high-level dialogue to 
strengthen trade relations, including the possibility of a free trade 
agreement. Now is the time to make this idea a reality.
  Another critical reason why we must strengthen our ties with Georgia 
is because Russian aggression in the region is more threatening now 
than ever. In 2008, I was in Georgia and saw Russian tanks roll in to 
Georgia, occupying 25% of the country. Back then I knew Putin's radical 
agenda would continue to threaten our ally for years to come. Sadly, I 
have not been proven wrong. Russia's invasion of Ukraine is another 
example of Putin's greedy appetite for conquest. The best deterrent we 
can offer Georgia is the protection we have given to European countries 
in the past from Russian bullying: NATO membership. It is time for the 
United States to put our full weight of support into ensuring that 
Georgia is given NATO membership.
  Even with the regional security threats stemming from Russia, Georgia 
has demonstrated time and again its commitment to being a force for 
good in the international community. For example, Georgia has provided 
more troops to the effort in Afghanistan than any other non-NATO 
member. Georgian troops have fought and died on the battlefield 
alongside our own American troops. We must recognize and reward their 
bravery and sacrifice. Georgia's ascension to NATO must be a priority 
for next summer's NATO conference.
  Mr. Speaker, we all should recognize the importance of strengthening 
our relationship with Georgia. It is in our national security interests 
to support this ally, and it is our duty to ensure we foster a healthy, 
mutually beneficial partnership.
  And that's just the way it is.

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