Explaining their request, the two Congressmen say that Croatia has made significant progress in the process of Euro-Atlantic integration and that as a NATO member it would contribute to the promotion of its principles and international security.
By implementing major political, economic and defence reforms since it gained independence Croatia has proven to be a reliable partner to the international community in building long-term stability, and has been actively participating in the anti-terrorist coalition, the two officials say in the letters.
Croatia is participating in different regional initiatives, such as partnership with Macedonia and Albania within the Adriatic-US Charter, the Congressmen say.
They go on to say that Croatia is among the first candidates for the next NATO enlargement round, that it has received a significant portion of US investments in the region, and is actively participating in NATO's peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan and consistently supporting international efforts to establish peace, stability and democracy in Iraq.
They recall that last year Congress adopted Resolution 529 recommending that Croatia be integrated into NATO, and that this year the Senate supported the resolution.
They believe that the Riga summit should offer more than a policy of open doors and give a clear message that qualified aspirants would be sent invitations for membership at the next summit in 2008.
Visclocky spoke about the request and arguments from the letters also in the House of Representatives.
Earlier this week, the two Congressmen met Croatia's delegation at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly that was on a week-long visit to the United States.