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5, Issue 23,
June 10, 2005 |
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NATO PA is an inter-parliamentary organization of legislators from the twenty-six member countries of NATO and twenty-two associate countries. NATO PA has been meeting since 1955 to build support for the NATO Alliance within the national legislatures and to provide recommendations to the Secretary General of NATO and the North Atlantic Council. Many of the reforms in NATO have first come from the Assembly. It also provides a way for legislators in member countries to stay informed about changes in NATO and about military reforms in the twenty-two associate countries. We discussed a wide array of issues with our counterparts from the legislative bodies of the twenty-six member NATO countries and twenty-two observing countries during the meetings. Additionally, for the first time in NATO history, the Palestinian Legislative Council was granted observer status to the meetings, as were Israel, Algeria, Jordan, Mauritania, and Morocco. Issues discussed among the forty-eight represented counties included global terrorism, the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, and concern for disproportionate use of force in Uzbekistan. We also discussed trans-atlantic relations with China, including the United States’ opposition to lifting the arms sales embargo against China. In this post 9-11 era, our world has changed, our enemy has changed, and our approach must also change. Prevention is the key tactic in protecting the United States and the world against future terrorist attacks. The essential element to the atomic bomb, highly enriched uranium, is used and stored at civilian research reactors around the world, including 50 sites in and around Europe, many of which are poorly secured. The threat of a nuclear terrorist attack is real and could happen to the United States or Europe at any time. The United States and Europe must recommit themselves to confronting security challenges in the spirit of international cooperation to keep the world safe from nuclear terrorism. After attending the NATO meetings in Slovenia, we traveled to visit U.S. troops at Landstuhl Military Hospital and four U.S. military bases in Germany. These brave men and women have sacrificed so much to serve our country in the name of freedom, and it was important for me to visit with them, discuss their concerns and express my appreciation for their valiant efforts. I am truly humbled to represent the United States in the NATO PA. The bottom line is that America needs our European allies, and the European allies need America more than ever before. Through NATO, the United States, Europe, the Palestinian Legislative Council, and the Mediterranean Countries can join together and work towards preventing future terrorist attacks at home and around the world. |
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“I am very proud to receive this prestigious award from the American Association for Homecare,” said Ross. “As a Member of Congress who represents a rural district, I understand the vital importance of home health care and helping patients live comfortably and independently at home. Homecare, in many cases, is preferred by patients, cost-effective care to millions of Americans, and is part of the answer to America’s healthcare crisis.” |
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1-800-223-2220 mike.ross@mail.house.gov or www.house.gov/ross |
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