Whereas the United States has enduring national interests in the peace and security of the Western Balkans and the greater integration of the region into the Euro-Atlantic community of democratic states; Whereas the United States recognized the Republic of Kosovo’s independence on February 18, 2008, and pledged to continue to be its close friend and partner ; Whereas the United States-Kosovo relationship is based on shared democratic values and institutions, people-to-people relations, human rights, policies toward international peace and security, and economic growth; Whereas the United States-Kosovo partnership has fostered meaningful cooperation in various fields, including security education and economic development; Whereas the Iowa National Guard, through the State Partnership Program, coordinates with the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) in addition to American forces participating with the NATO-backed Kosovo Force (KFOR) to promote regional security and cooperation; Whereas, in 2022, the Millennium Challenge Corporation and the Republic of Kosovo signed a 5-year, $202 million compact aimed to expand and improve Kosovo’s energy sector to become more sustainable, inclusive, and affordable; Whereas, since the Republic of Kosovo’s independence, the United States has provided nearly $1 billion in foreign assistance; Whereas the Republic of Kosovo was one of the first countries who assisted accepting Afghan refugees in 2021; Whereas popular support for the United States in Kosovo remains at 81 percent, the highest among European countries; Whereas the United States has played an essential role in supporting the Republic of Kosovo’s aspirations to join international institutions such as the United Nations, European Union, and North Atlantic Treaty Organization, among other international institutions