NATO member countries would be urged to meet their commitment to dedicate 2 percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) to defense spending under bipartisan legislation reintroduced by U.S. Rep. Mike Bishop (R-MI) on Monday.
Bishop introduced the measure, H. Res. 135, in the wake of a NATO report that found 22 member countries had failed to meet defense spending commitments from 2014-2016.
“The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was formed in the ashes of World War II, bringing us decades of considerable peace and prosperity,” Bishop said. “Still, there are powers today that wish to challenge the order from which the vast majority of people throughout the world have benefitted.”
Whether it is terrorists, emerging powers or weakened regimes, those that “desire chaos and control are growing in power,” Bishop said, and countries that have preserved peace are failing to stand up for their beliefs.
“I believe it is time for the powers dedicated to the peace and prosperity of all nations to renew their commitment to the NATO alliance,” Bishop continued. “To be completely effective — and to equally share the necessary burden of ‘peace through strength’ — all NATO member nations must meet their GDP commitments for defense spending and research.”
President Donald Trump campaigned on a pledge to push NATO member countries to meet funding commitments, and he is scheduled to meet with NATO leaders in Europe this spring.
“While the costs may seem significant and burdensome in difficult economic times, the consequences of conflict due to perceived weakness would be far greater,” Bishop said. “Without modern equipment, resources, manpower and training necessary to maintain our strength, we risk continued challenges to peace. I call on my colleagues in Congress to support this resolution, and on our NATO members to honor the commitment they agreed to.”