U.S. Rep. Mike Bishop (R-MI) introduced a resolution last week strongly urging all countries belonging to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to meet or exceed the commitment for defense spending, which is an amount equal to or greater than 2 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product.
The resolution, Res. 469, has garnered bipartisan support from within the House.
“In the ashes of World War II, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization was formed,” Bishop said. “It has brought us 70 years of considerable peace and prosperity. Yet today, there are powers that wish to challenge the order from which the vast majority of people throughout the world have benefited.”
Bishop believes it is time for NATO members to renew their commitment to the alliance and equitably share in the financial burden of maintaining “peace through strength.”
“Whether it is brutal terrorists, emerging powers or weakened regimes that yearn for past glory, those that desire chaos and control are growing in power,” he continued. “And those that have preserved peace are failing to stand up for what they believe in. These belligerent activities will happen with greater frequency as the cracks in regimes are exposed.”
There are 11 original co-sponsors of Resolution 469 in the House, including House Armed Services Subcommittee Chairmen Mike Turner (R-OH) and Joe Wilson (R-SC), a member of the Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee. Also sponsoring the resolution were: Reps. Ryan Zinke (R-MT), Martha McSally (R-AZ), Steve Russell (R-OK), Bradley Byrne (R-AL), Dan Donovan (R-NY), Reid Ribble (R-WI), Martha Roby (R-AL), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) and Ted Lieu (D-CA).
“While the costs may seem significant and burdensome in difficult economic times, the consequences of conflict due to perceived weakness on the part of NATO would be far greater,” Bishop said. “Without modern equipment, resources, manpower and training necessary to maintain a deterrent force, we risk continued challenges to peace. I call on my colleagues in Congress to support this reasonable resolution, and on our NATO members to honor their commitment as well.”
The resolution is currently being reviewed by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.