Tanner Leads Delegation To NATO Meetings

Press Release

U.S. Rep. John Tanner, President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, is leading a Congressional delegation to inter-parliamentary sessions to discuss Afghanistan, the global fight against radical fundamentalism and the response to international economic challenges. The meetings are taking place during the U.S. House's Veterans Day work period.

"These talks come at perhaps the most crucial time in the history of the NATO alliance," Congressman Tanner said. "We all realize that our coalition of nations must re-evaluate and rededicate ourselves to the fight against radical fundamentalism, a NATO- and U.S.-led fight currently centered in Afghanistan and Pakistan. To be successful, there must be a greater commitment from all of the nations that realize the future of our global security is at stake.

"In a recent speech before a joint session of Congress, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said "[t]here is no doubt that NATO is and will continue to be the crucial corner-stone of our collective defense. Its Security Concept is being constantly developed and adapted to new challenges," then added she hopes European nations will contribute even more to the future of NATO.

During the trip, Tanner will, among other official duties, meet with ally-nation leaders in Belfast, Ireland; make remarks at a Veterans Day ceremony at a U.S. military cemetery in Normandy, France; preside over and address the NATO PA in Edinburgh, Scotland; and meet with NATO and U.S. military leaders.

"I look forward to reporting back to Tennesseans and others across our country about how our legislative counterparts in other NATO countries view the challenges facing us, especially in Afghanistan and Pakistan," Tanner said.

Tanner, a veteran of the U.S. Navy and the Tennessee Army National Guard, represents Tennessee's 8th Congressional District in West and Middle Tennessee, which includes numerous National Guard armories, the Milan Army Arsenal, Naval Activity Mid-South in Millington, and a portion of Fort Campbell Army Base, home to the 101st Airborne Division.

Co-founder of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Democrats, Tanner serves on the Ways and Means Committee, where he chairs the Social Security Subcommittee, and on the Foreign Affairs Committee. Tanner chairs the U.S. delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and is serving a two-year term as NATO PA President.

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