North Charlotte Today

Senators Thom Tillis, Jim Justice, John Cornyn, Tim Sheehy, Mike Lee, Steve Daines, and Shelley Moore Capito have introduced a resolution concerning NATO defense spending. The resolution emphasizes that NATO members must meet the agreed commitment of allocating at least two percent of their GDP to defense. This requirement was established by NATO Defense Ministers in 2006 to ensure military readiness.

The resolution suggests that countries failing to meet this commitment should not hold leadership roles within NATO or host significant events such as summits or foreign ministers' meetings. It also urges members to fulfill the two percent target or have a plan to do so by the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague in June 2025.

Senator Tillis stated, “Given the increased aggression from Russia in Ukraine, provocations from China, and other rising threats, it is crucial that our partner nations not only meet but exceed the current defense spending goals.” He highlighted that “the existing two percent commitment is the bare minimum necessary” and suggested aiming for higher targets like President Trump's proposed five percent.

Senator Cornyn emphasized the importance of honoring these commitments: “Conflicts in Europe and the Middle East and tensions in the Indo-Pacific threaten our global stability and security.” He stressed ensuring military readiness within NATO by adhering to the two percent GDP defense spending goal.

Senator Daines acknowledged improvements due to past leadership: “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, many of our European allies are finally pulling their weight when it comes to defense spending.” However, he pointed out that more action is needed as “the world remains dangerous” and advocated for raising defense spending as a deterrence measure.

The full text of the resolution is available online.