[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 15]
[House]
[Page 20059]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      BULGARIAN MIRACLE CONTINUES

  (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today is a joyous day for 
the people of Bulgaria. This week, the European Commission recommended 
Bulgaria be admitted into the European Union in January 2007. In less 
than 16 years, Bulgaria has successfully transitioned from a Communist 
totalitarian regime into a free market democracy.
  Just 3 years ago, I was honored to be at the White House with former 
Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg Gotha as Bulgaria was admitted into 
NATO. Bulgaria has proven to be a true ally in the global war on 
terrorism, and Bulgarian troops have bravely served in Iraq and 
Afghanistan. There are currently plans for three U.S. bases to be 
located within Bulgaria.
  Bulgaria has one of the fastest growing economies, and membership in 
the EU will accelerate its pace. Economically and militarily, Bulgaria 
is secure.
  Congratulations to Prime Minister Georgi Parvanov, Prime Minister 
Sergey Stanishev, Ambassador to Washington Elena Poptodorova, and my 
longtime friend Ambassador to Athens Stefan Stoyanov.
  I am grateful to serve with Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher as cochair 
of the Bulgarian Caucus, promoting the growing partnership between 
Bulgaria and America.
  In conclusion, God bless our troops and we will never forget 
September 11th.

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