[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 67 (Tuesday, April 7, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E351-E352]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  EXPRESSING THE UNITED STATES' SOLIDARITY WITH FRIENDS AND ALLIES IN 
                                 EUROPE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD HUDSON

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 7, 2020

  Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise to report discussions I had last 
week during a video conference with members of the Organization for 
Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly, and 
their response to COVID-19.
  Let me stress at the outset that our country has not only treaty-
bound allies in Europe, but genuine friends. Our friends and colleagues 
abroad welcomed Senator Roger Wicker and my participation on behalf of 
the United States to discuss how we will continue our important duties 
amidst the dire situation facing the globe. I reported on the 
increasingly dire situation here in the United States and the efforts 
of the U.S. Congress to provide relief to our citizens. We all 
expressed solidarity with each other and a determination to move 
forward.
  Every country in Europe is affected by this pandemic, Madam Speaker, 
just as every state in the United States is affected. The President of 
the Lombardy in Italy spoke about the particularly critical situation 
his region is facing. In a crisis like this, while we have our primary 
responsibilities here at home, it is imperative we continue to help our 
international friends and partners. I assured our partners that the 
United States will continue to support our allies and provide 
considerable assistance to public health worldwide.
  Such expressions of transatlantic unity, in my view, are important in 
times like these. They give our European friends and allies the 
confidence they need to move forward. It also helps to counter the 
considerable amount of misinformation and misperception currently 
spreading and dispel the malign influence attached to offers of help 
and friendship from elsewhere around the globe. We cannot let ulterior 
motives divide and weaken our ties at this time of vulnerability.
  In spite of this crisis, other threats to European security have not 
gone away. Russian aggression against its neighbors, terrorist threats, 
and protracted conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus all still 
exist, requiring our continued attention. Much of our parliamentary 
conversation focused on how we can address these continual challenges 
we face while we are unable to meet and deliberate in person as 
scheduled. Despite the uncertainty, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly 
will find a way and with a little creativity, will continue having 
these important discussions.
  A final point made in the video conference is the need to defend our 
democratic principles and human rights in a time where restrictions and 
limits are imposed that could be abused. Our country defended Europe 
from tyranny last century, so it is rewarding to see our friends and 
allies determined to preserve those gains moving forward into this 
century.

[[Page E352]]

  Madam Speaker, we have the capacity to address the ongoing threats to 
our security even as we address this unprecedented public health crisis 
amidst an economic downturn. The bicameral group of legislators who 
serve on the U.S. Helsinki Commission do so in a bipartisan way, and 
when we participate in the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, we do so with 
our European friends and allies in this effort.
  I concluded from my discussions last week that more difficult times 
may lie ahead, but by working together, we will persevere.
  Madam Speaker, please join me today recognizing the importance of 
these discussions with our European allies and friends.

                          ____________________