NATO Enlargement Facilitation Act of 1996 - Declares that it should be the policy of the United States to: (1) assist the transition to full membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) of emerging democracies in Central and Eastern Europe; (2) ensure that such countries are aware of the costs and responsibilities of such membership; and (3) work to construct a political and security relationship between an enlarged NATO and the Russian Federation.
Expresses the sense of the Congress that in order to promote security in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania, Albania, Moldova, and Ukraine: (1) the United States should continue to support the full and active participation of these countries in activities that will qualify them for NATO membership; (2) the U.S. Government should continue to press the European Union to admit as soon as possible any country qualifying for membership; and (3) the United States and NATO should continue to support military and peacekeeping initiatives between and among such countries and NATO countries.
Expresses the sense of the Congress that Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have valid historical security concerns and should not be disadvantaged in seeking to join NATO by virtue of their forcible incorporation into the Soviet Union.
Designates Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic as eligible to receive certain assistance for transition to full membership in NATO. Declares that such designation shall not preclude the designation by the President of other Central and Eastern Europe countries.
Authorizes appropriations for FY 1997 for NATO enlargement assistance.
Authorizes the availability of certain funds for implementation of the Regional Airspace Initiative and the Partnership for Peace Information Management System.
Declares that the transfer of excess defense articles to countries intending to participate in NATO (including countries on NATO's southern flank) shall be given priority, to the maximum extent feasible, over the delivery of such articles to other countries, except certain countries specified under the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1995.
Declares that the Congress endorses U.S. efforts to modernize the defense capability of Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and any other countries the President designates under the NATO Participation Act of 1994, by exploring options for the sale or lease to such countries of weapons systems compatible with those used by NATO members, including air defense systems, advanced fighter aircraft, and telecommunications infrastructure.
Provides for the termination of the eligibility of a country for Partnership of Peace assistance.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on International Relations, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on International Relations, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on International Relations, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Voice Vote.
Mr. Gilman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H8116-8125)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate.
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At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 5, rule I, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H8147-8148)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): 353 - 65 (Roll No. 338).
Roll Call #338 (House)On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): 353 - 65 (Roll No. 338).
Roll Call #338 (House)Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 512.