[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 16]
[Senate]
[Page 21520]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 NATO FREEDOM CONSOLIDATION ACT OF 2006

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, for more than 50 years, the North Atlantic 
Treaty Organization has served as a force for stability, security, and 
peace in Europe. It remains the foundation of security on the Continent 
and the cornerstone of U.S. engagement in Europe. Today it is the key 
institution helping to secure a Europe that is whole, free, and at 
peace.
  Not only is it the most successful alliance in history, but NATO has 
also contributed to the democratic transition of our former adversaries 
in Central and Eastern Europe by fostering the development of new, 
strong, and democratic allies capable of contributing to our common 
security goals. NATO's enlargement over the past decade has 
strengthened the strongest alliance in history and helped spread 
democracy and liberty. For this reason, it is essential that we keep 
the door to NATO accession open for others.
  Today, I am proud to introduce the NATO Freedom Consolidation Act of 
2006, along with Senators Lugar, Biden, Smith, and McCain. This 
legislation expresses the Senate's support for the accession of 
Albania, Croatia, Georgia, and Macedonia to NATO.
  I welcome the progress made by these countries in implementing the 
political, economic, and military reforms needed to qualify for NATO 
membership. Each of these countries has made substantive contributions 
to peace and stability in the region and has expressed a desire for 
closer affiliation with this institution.
  Albania, Croatia, and Macedonia have already made tremendous strides 
in implementing their National Programs under NATO's Membership Action 
Plan. The MAP remains the key vehicle for NATO to review and assess the 
readiness of each aspirant for full membership. I am confident that 
these three countries will continue to progress toward the goals 
pursued through the MAP, and I look forward to future reports of each 
country's progress.
  Georgia is also coordinating its reform efforts with NATO members to 
meet the criteria for eventual membership in the Alliance. NATO 
recently announced the launching of an intensified dialogue with the 
Georgian Government. The United States stands ready to assist the 
Georgian people as they continue their reform efforts.
  In addition to expressing the Congress's support for their eventual 
NATO membership, this legislation also designates Albania, Croatia, 
Georgia, and Macedonia as eligible to receive assistance under the NATO 
Participation Act of 1994. To underscore this commitment, it authorizes 
security assistance in the amount of $3.2 million for Albania, $3 
million for Croatia, $10 million for Georgia, and $3.6 million for 
Macedonia.
  Previous rounds of NATO enlargement have shown that the expansion of 
this great alliance benefits not only the new members but the alliance 
itself. Albania, Croatia, Georgia, and Macedonia stand to gain as much 
from NATO membership as the current Allies do from their accession.
  The United States cannot build a safer and better world alone. The 
support of our NATO allies and the strengthening of the alliance are 
essential in the global war on terrorism. The alliance will be critical 
in successfully dealing with the mutual challenges we will face in the 
years ahead.
  The United States will continue to work with these countries to 
institute the reforms necessary for NATO membership. I urge my 
colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation. And I look forward 
to the day when Albania, Croatia, Georgia, and Macedonia become 
America's NATO allies and the most successful alliance in history 
becomes even stronger.

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