Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleagues in support of H. Res. 253 recommending the integration of the Republic of Slovakia into NATO.

The people of the Slovak Republic understand the importance of national security and having the ability to maintain their national identity and sovereignty. Time and time again over the past centuries the Slovak people have been denied their independence. That is why they value the protection and security offered by membership in NATO.

The Slovak Republic has made great strides and significant progress since its peaceful separation from the Czech Republic in 1993. While the transition to a newly independent nation has been at times difficult, the Slovak people are heroes who have survived imposed monarchy, fascism, communism and forced integration. The Slovak people are heroes again even in the face of economic challenges and all the problems of transforming a state economy into a free market and free enterprise society--they again displayed their courage to align with the West, free institutions and democracy.

Therefore, it is fitting today that the United States Congress express its support for the people of Slovakia and their newly independent nation to join in the security afforded by the NATO organization.

My hope is that Slovakians independence will be protected and preserved for future generations by its integration into NATO.
I am pleased to join as a cosponsor of this legislative resolution. I am pleased to be the grandson of Slovak immigrants to the United States. May God Bless the Slovak people and May God Bless the United States in these difficult times of national security.