U.S. Rep. Mike Bishop (R-MI) recently re-introduced legislation that urges the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member nations either meet or exceed a two percent gross domestic product (GDP) commitment to defense spending.
The resolution was introduced with bipartisan support in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“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, and those that have preserved peace are failing to stand up for what they believe in,” Bishop said. “These belligerent activities will happen with greater frequency as the cracks in regimes are exposed.”
Earlier this month, President Trump said that he was elected to push NATO members to increase their overall funding for defense spending. The President will be meeting with European NATO officials later in the spring.
Currently, only five member nations meet the two percent GDP threshold for defense spending including the United States, Greece, the United Kingdom, Estonia, and Poland.
“While the costs may seem significant and burdensome in difficult economic times, the consequences of conflict due to perceived weakness would be far greater. Without modern equipment, resources, manpower and training necessary to maintain our strength, we risk continued challenges to peace,” Bishop said. “I call on my colleagues in Congress to support this resolution, and on our NATO members to honor the commitment they agreed to.”