Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. John L. Mica introduced a resolution today asking Congress to include the Republic of Slovakia in the next round of admission to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Mica was joined by:
Reps. Gary Ackerman (D-NY), Robert Borski (D-PA), Kenvin Brady (R-TX), Phil English (R-PA), Tillie Fowler (R-FL), George Gekas (R-PA), William Goodling (R-PA), James Greenwood (R-PA), Van Hilleary (R-TN), Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), Tim Holden (D-PA), Stephen Horn (R-CA), Henry Hyde (R-IL), Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), Ray LaHood (R-IL), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Edward Markey (D-MA), Frank Mascara (D-PA), Dan Miller (R-FL), Constance Morella (R-MD), Doug Ose (R-CA), John Peterson (D-MN), Thomas Sawyer (D-OH), Pete Sessions (R-TX), John Shimkus (R-IL), Cliff Stearns (R-FL), Bart Stupak (D-MI), James Traficant (D-OH), Bruce Vento (D-MN), and Dave Weldon (R-FL).
Mica said, "With new leadership and new reforms instituted, the Republic of Slovakia has proven the maturity and stability of its democracy. It’s critical that we now recognize the advances that Slovakia has made and include them in the NATO alliance."
He added, "Slovakia should have been in the first round with Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary and we now have the opportunity to correct that exclusion."
While the resolution is not binding, it expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that expansion of NATO to include the Slovak Republic would benefit the security and peace of Europe and encourages the extension of an invitation for Slovakia to join the alliance at the earliest possible opportunity.
"The importance of Slovakia’s geographic location in terms of continental security cannot be overstated and presents a strong argument for inclusion of Slovakia in the NATO alliance," Mica stated. "Slovakia has been a strong and able ally in the Partnership for Peace initiative, and its membership in NATO will only strengthen the security framework for Europe."
NATO membership will help Slovakia improve its standing as a free independent nation with national security links to the West. The resolution is expected to be referred to the Committee on International Relations in the coming days.