June 17, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 112 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

[Pages S3025-S3026]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            TROOP WITHDRAWAL

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Madam President, while there are reports of plans to 
remove troops stationed in Germany, I am reluctant to comment on a 
proposal that I have not seen.
  What I can say, however, is that Congress will have a say. What I can 
also say is that the U.S. commitment to NATO and our European allies is 
rock solid. That said, it is not in the American character to project 
power for power's sake.
  Since World War II, we have reluctantly accepted the lesson that our 
geography and good will alone cannot protect us in the United States 
from being dragged into other things around the globe, particularly 
conflicts.
  The U.S. military presence in Europe since World War II has preserved 
the freedom of half of Europe and contributed to the eventual freedom 
of the other half of Europe. Yet, despite enjoying economic and 
security benefits, polls show our presence is unpopular with a large 
segment of the German population. Combine the American public's 
reluctance to station troops abroad with the sense that they are not 
wanted or appreciated by their hosts, you can expect some second 
thoughts.
  This isn't the whole story. I know many German political leaders who 
treasure the friendship between our two countries, and their voices are 
needed now more than ever before. Moreover, our bases in Germany are 
not there just for the Germans. They provide critical support to troops 
in harm's way in the Middle East and are vital for NATO deterrence.
  The people of Poland and the Baltic countries are among the most pro-
American that you can find anywhere in the world, and the governments 
representing them put their money where their mouth is when it comes to 
NATO. Our mere presence in Europe reduces

[[Page S3026]]

the likelihood of Russian aggression against these friends and a repeat 
of their past oppression.
  America will not abandon our allies. Our credibility and national 
honor demand it.
  I yield the floor.

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