A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that it values the active participation of the Republic of Kosovo as the state partner of the Iowa National Guard over the past 15 years.

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 939 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 939

     Expressing the sense of the Senate that it values the active 
  participation of the Republic of Kosovo as the state partner of the 
              Iowa National Guard over the past 15 years.

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                           September 30, 2026

   Mr. Grassley (for himself and Ms. Ernst) submitted the following 
             resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
     Expressing the sense of the Senate that it values the active 
  participation of the Republic of Kosovo as the state partner of the 
              Iowa National Guard over the past 15 years.

Whereas the National Guard State Partnership Program was created in 1993 to link 
        foreign partner countries with segments of the National Guard to foster 
        mutual interests and establish long-term relationships;
Whereas, in 2011, the Iowa National Guard and the Kosovo Security Force were 
        joined via the National Guard Bureau's State Partnership Program;
Whereas, since 2011, Iowa and Kosovo have participated in numerous joint 
        activities;
Whereas several members of the Ministry of Defense and the Kosovo Security Force 
        have received knowledge and training according to the standards, 
        tactics, and strategies of the United States Armed Forces;
Whereas the joint activities of the Iowa-Kosovo state partnership have shown the 
        Kosovo Security Force how the United States military operates and have 
        prepared and trained soldiers for international engagements, civil-
        military operations, crisis management, economic development, higher 
        education, and environmental policy;
Whereas, in 2021, Kosovo Security Force deployed to Kuwait for the first time in 
        a joint mission with the Iowa National Guard;
Whereas, in May 2024, 165 Kosovo Security Force personnel trained alongside the 
        Iowa National Guard for over three weeks at the Joint Readiness Training 
        Center in Louisiana, focusing on tactical training for joint deployments 
        on peacekeeping missions;
Whereas, in the interest of building on the excellent joint cooperation between 
        the Kosovo Security Force and the Iowa National Guard, the Ministry of 
        Defense of Kosovo is currently in the process of designating a military 
        liaison officer, who is expected to deploy to Iowa in the near future to 
        facilitate and coordinate military activities;
Whereas the Kosovo Security Force's continued development in accordance with 
        democratic principles, civilian control, and Euro-Atlantic standards 
        contributes to the security and resilience of Kosovo and the broader 
        Western Balkans;
Whereas the Government of Kosovo has continued to strengthen defense diplomacy 
        by expanding the network of military attaches and deepening cooperation 
        with strategic partners through Euro-Atlantic integration;
Whereas the Government of Kosovo participates in regional cooperation 
        initiatives and provides assistance to neighboring countries;
Whereas the Government of Kosovo has expressed strong public support and a 
        commitment to pursuing full membership in the North Atlantic Treaty 
        Organization (NATO); and
Whereas sustained United States engagement with Kosovo sends a clear message of 
        United States commitment to regional security, deterrence, and the 
        peaceful resolution of disputes in the Western Balkans: Now, therefore, 
        be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) recognizes the cooperation between the State of Iowa 
        and the Republic of Kosovo and the joint military partnership 
        between the Iowa National Guard and the Kosovo Security Force 
        for the past 15 years;
            (2) greatly appreciates these efforts by the Iowa National 
        Guard and the Republic of Kosovo, and congratulates the 
        Government and people of Kosovo on their commitment to and 
        participation with the Government and people of the United 
        Sates and other countries in advancing peace, democracy, 
        stability, and mutual understanding among governments and 
        people around the world; and
            (3) expresses appreciation for the joint endeavors of the 
        Iowa National Guard, the Republic of Kosovo, and the United 
        States in combating malign activities around the world.
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