[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 12656]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCING THE HONORABLE PAT COX, PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, one of the privileges accorded the 
majority leader is the opportunity to welcome and introduce our fellow 
legislators from the European Parliament. This is a tradition that was 
begun in 1972, and has continued every year since.
  I find it especially meaningful, because although the Atlantic Ocean 
separates us from our European friends, we are connected by a belief in 
the rule of law, and a commitment to the betterment of the people we 
serve, and the world we share.
  This afternoon I have the distinct honor of introducing The Honorable 
Pat Cox, President of the European Parliament. This is an exciting time 
of growth and change in the European Union, and as President of the 
European Parliament, Pat Cox has been instrumental in fostering greater 
European unity and advocating for EU expansion.
  As Europe becomes ever more unified, the extension of EU membership 
to free and democratic nations will be crucial to ensuring that 
diversity and pluralism accompany unification. In the face of 
persistent disputes among EU nations and political factions, President 
Cox has not wavered in his support for expansion, or in his 
denouncement of far right politicians who do not express the views of 
most Europeans. For that, we are all grateful.
  Mr. President, Mr. Cox will be available to meet our Senate 
colleagues here on the floor during this vote.
  Let me, on behalf of the U.S. Senate, welcome President Cox.
  (Applause.)

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