Rep. Zeldin on NATO Secretary General's Joint Address to Congress

Press Release

Today, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) issued the following statement after the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Trade Organization (NATO) His Excellency Jens Stoltenberg addressed a joint session of Congress:

"This year marks the 70th anniversary of NATO, and today's address was an important reminder of the vital role this historic alliance plays in maintaining peace both at home and abroad and in fostering democracy around the world. This critical transatlantic bond was born from the ashes of World War II, founded on the principle of mutual defense and commitment to thwarting the unprecedented loss of life that marked the 20th century.

"While this important partnership has played an indispensable role in the safety and security of member states, there is always more we can do to bolster this alliance. The vitality and strength of NATO is reinforced when all member states contribute fairly to our mutual defense, and I look forward to continuing to work with our allies around the world to reaffirm our commitment to the principles on which this alliance was founded."

Congressman Zeldin invited Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) Senior Instructor of the North Fork Program Major Bill Grigonis as his gallery guest for the Joint Session who stated the following ahead of the address:

"It is such an honor to be able to witness democracy first hand during the Secretary General of NATO's Joint Address to Congress," said Major Grigonis. "This is the opportunity of a lifetime, an experience I can pass down to all of my students in the Southold, Mattituck and Greenport School Districts, not just those involved in NJROTC. I thank Congressman Zeldin for this opportunity to represent my students, the North Fork and our entire Congressional district during this important address."

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