Congressional Documents[Page: S3680]
The Senate continued with the consideration of the treaty.
Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that it be in order at this time to modify the Kyl amendment with the modification that is at the desk.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
The Executive amendment, as modified, is as follows:
In paragraph (1) of section 3, after `(1) The Strategic Concept of NATO: ' insert the following:
(A) Policy of the united states toward the strategic concept of nato: The Senate understands that the policy of the United States is that the core concepts contained in the 1991 Strategic Concept of NATO (as defined in (1)(F)), which adapted NATO's strategy of the post-Cold War environment, remain valid today, and that the upcoming revision of that document will reflect the following principles:
(i) First and foremost a military alliance: NATO is first and foremost a military alliance. NATO's success in securing peace is predicated on its military strength and strategic unity.
(ii) Principal foundation for defense of security interests of nato members: NATO serves as the principal foundation for collectively defending the security interests of its members against external threats.
(iii) Promotion and protection of united states vital national security interests: Strong United States leadership of NATO promotes and protects United States vital national security interests.
(iv) United states leadership role: The United States maintains its leadership role of NATO through the stationing of United States combat forces in Europe, providing military commanders for key NATO commands, and through the presence of United States nuclear forces on the territory of Europe.
(v) Common threats: NATO members will face common threats to their security in the post-Cold War environment, including--
(I) the potential for the re-emergence of a hegemonic power confronting Europe;
(II) rogue states and non-state actors possessing nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons and the means to deliver these weapons by ballistic or cruise missiles, or other unconventional delivery means;
(III) threats of a wider nature, including the disruption of the flow of vital resources, and other possible transnational threats; and
(IV) conflict in the North Atlantic area stemming from ethnic and religious enmity, the revival of historic disputes or the actions of undemocratic leaders.
(iv) Core mission of nato.--Defense planning will affirm a commitment by NATO members to a credible capability for collective self-defense, which remains the core mission of NATO. All NATO members will contribute to this core mission.
(vii) Capacity to respond to common threats.--NATO's continued success requires a credible military capability to deter and respond to common threats. Building on its core capabilities for collective self-defense of its members, NATO will ensure that its military force structure, defense planning, command structures, and force goals promote NATO's capacity to project power when the security of a NATO member is threatened, and provide a basis for ad hoc coalitions of willing partners among NATO members. This will require that NATO members possess national military capabilities to rapidly deploy forces over long distances, sustain operations for extended periods of time, and operate jointly with the United States in high intensity conflicts.
(viii) Integrated military structure.--The Integrated Military Structure of NATO underpins NATO's effectiveness as a military alliance by embedding NATO members in a process of cooperative defense planning and ensuring unity of command.
(ix) Nuclear posture.--Nuclear weapons will continue to make an essential contribution to deterring aggression, especially aggression by potential adversaries armed with nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons. A credible NATO nuclear deterrent posture requires the stationing of United States nuclear forces in Europe, which provides an essential political and military link between Europe and North America, and the widespread participation of NATO members in nuclear roles. In addition, the NATO deterrent posture will continue to ensure uncertainty in the mind of any potential aggressor about the nature of the response by NATO members to military aggression.
(x) Burdensharing.--The responsibility and financial burden of defending the democracies of Europe will be more equitably shared in a manner in which specific obligations and force goals are met by NATO members.
Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that at 4:30 p.m. today, the Senate resume consideration of the Kyl amendment No. 2310, as modified, and there be 30 minutes equally divided for debate on the amendment. Further, I ask unanimous consent that following the expiration or yielding back of time, the Senate proceed to vote on or in relation to the Kyl amendment, and further that no amendments be in order to the Kyl amendment prior to the vote.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, I further ask that following the vote on adoption of the State Department conference report, at 2:25 p.m., there be 2 minutes equally divided for closing remarks on the Harkin amendment prior to the vote on or in relation to the Harkin amendment.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.