Upholding the Founding Democratic Principles of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and Establishing A Center for Democratic Resilience

Floor Speech

NATO is the most successful military alliance in history.

Our shared democratic values are a critical piece of that success. We are reminded of the importance of this alliance daily as Putin continues his inhumane assault on innocent civilians in Ukraine.

Together, with our NATO allies and partners, we are unified in a strategic approach to counter our adversaries.

Ukraine is not alone on the front lines of the global battle between democracy and authoritarianism. The United States and our NATO allies are supporting Ukraine.

Vladimir Putin's unprovoked and unjustified full-scale invasion of Ukraine has unified the NATO alliance.

Most recently, the world watched in horror as images from Bucha have surfaced; mass graves and bodies strewn throughout the street.

NATO must be resolute in its efforts to continue its support for Ukraine.

This resolution introduced by Congressman Connolly and myself will affirm the democratic values of NATO and establish a Center for Democratic Resilience.

Having served as the President of NATO PA, I support the fundamental role this organization plays in strengthening and defending democracies worldwide. I also congratulate my colleague for his efforts in support of this global organization, Congressman Connolly, who currently serves as the President of NATO PA, has represented the United States very well there, and brings forth a resolution that is of great importance to the founding issues and certainly the substance of NATO.

The resolution we are considering today advances this goal by reaffirming that NATO is an alliance founded on democratic principles and calling on the U.S. to support the establishment of this center within NATO headquarters.

This center would and could monitor challenges and threats to democracy, natural rights, and the rule of law among member nations. Partnering with democracy promotion organizations, the center will assist member states and aspiring member states to preserve and foster democracy among their ranks.

Miss GONZALEZ-COLON. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend and former president of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Mike Turner, for yielding.

Today, I am here as a proud cosponsor of H. Res. 831. I stand alongside our esteemed colleagues, the president of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Congressman Gerry Connolly, and past president, Congressman Mike Turner, to support the establishment of a Center of Democratic Resilience within NATO.

Just yesterday, we celebrated 73 years since the formation of NATO, an alliance that has assured mutual defense to one another. Beyond our strategic military alliances, we also share a commitment to our democratic principles. And I think that is the most important thing about this resolution.

Establishing an entity designed to promote, protect and strengthen democratic institutions will further advance the collective security of our allies and NATO's mission of promoting freedom, human rights, democracy, and of course, the rule of law.

Mr. Speaker, I have had the honor to serve as a parliamentary member twice during my time in Congress, and both have given me the opportunity to witness NATO's defining trait, which is unity.

Unity does not simply mean presenting a united front. It means being united in spirit and purpose.

Today, as Russia wages war on NATO's borders, that unity of purpose is more important than ever. It is also clear that Ukraine shares in our spirit and purpose as well.

That is why this resolution urges NATO to continue to provide unwavering support to the people of Ukraine as they fight for their sovereignty, territorial integrity, and a democratic future.

We cannot, and we must not, allow Russia to dictate the terms of a sovereign nation's policy. I continue to support Ukraine to be afforded the opportunity to join our defensive alliance. I think it is clear that the past attempts to placate through indefinite delays for Georgia and Ukraine have ended in tragedy.

Tragedy struck Georgia in 2008, and Ukraine again in 2014 and 2020, and are evidence of how effective denying them membership to NATO is for protecting peace.

Evidence, especially in Bucha, indicates sanctioned mass killings, the rape and murder of small children, and targeting of civilian shelters housing infants and the elderly. All while the Russian leadership talks of a country that doesn't exist.

Together, NATO must continue to present a united front. We must increase, of course, our aid to Ukraine, and we must ensure that countries make decisions to enter alliances without foreign interference. And this is the reason this resolution is so important, because of our principles and our united purpose. We must never cede an inch of our freedom or our values. I know that united, we can do this.
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Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, I would inform Congressman Harris, the Ambassador to NATO from Hungary openly supports this center, and I know Poland does also.

This is something that is important overall for NATO, and it does have the support of both of those nations, and there is no intention other than to support democracy in this.
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