BULGARIA'S BASES WELCOME U.S. MILITARY -- (Extensions of Remarks - April 27, 2006)

SPEECH OF

THE HONORABLE JOE WILSON *

OF SOUTH CAROLINA

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2006

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, The Washington Times reported this week that ``Bulgaria has agreed to open three military bases for permanent use by 2,500 U.S. troops who will be available for combat in the Middle East and other nearby regions.''

While this may be the ``first time Bulgaria has authorized the stationing of foreign forces on its soil in its 1,325-year history,'' this is not the first time Bulgaria has demonstrated its willingness to help our country in the Global War on Terrorism. Over 400 Bulgarian troops have bravely served alongside our troops in Iraq. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has been successful in recruiting allies. By welcoming U.S. troops to their bases, Bulgaria has once again helped our military forces fight terrorists in Iraq and Afghanistan so that we do not have to face them on the streets of America.

As the Co-Chair of the Congressional Bulgaria Caucus, along with Congresswoman ELLEN TAUSCHER, I sincerely appreciate our strong partnership with Bulgaria as a valued member of NATO which hosts today the NATO foreign ministers in Sofia including Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

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* Congressman Joe Wilson co-chairs the Bulgaria Caucus in the United States House of Representatives