U.S. Representatives Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) and Steve Knight (R-CA) have introduced H.R. 6530, the “No NATO Withdrawal Act,” which would reassert Congressional support for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the longest-standing and most successful military alliance in the world.
The bipartisan bill introduced Wednesday would prohibit funds from being used to withdraw from NATO.
Additionally, it states that it is the policy of the United States to remain a member in good standing of NATO, to reject any efforts to withdraw from the alliance, and to continue to work with member nations to ensure each country spends at least 2 percent of its GDP on defense spending, in accordance with the 2014 NATO Wales Summit agreement.
“NATO is absolutely crucial to our national security,” Knight said in a statement. “With the welcome recent addition of Montenegro, NATO now stands 29 nations strong in steadfast defense of democracy, human dignity, and a global order that has not seen a world war since its inception. America and our NATO partners share common economic and security interests, and it must remain a strong asset in opposition to Russia.
“Under Vladimir Putin’s regime, Russia has repeatedly shown disregard for the territorial and political sovereignty of other nations,” Knight said. “The occupation of Crimea and interference in America’s election are an affront to the lessons of history. I’m proud to introduce this bill today with Congressman Panetta to stand with our allies and oppose Putin’s Russia.”
“The NATO alliance is a pillar of international peace, stability, and security, and serves as a deterrent against aggression and destabilization,” Panetta said.
“In the face of Russia’s threats and attacks on American and allied interests, Congress must take a stand and solidify our commitment to our allies,” Panetta said. “We must promote our shared values of freedom, equality, and empowerment by continuing to invest in the institutions, programs, and people that enhance our national security. I thank my Republican and Democratic colleagues for joining me in advancing this important legislation.”
The “No NATO Withdrawal Act” was introduced by Panetta with Knight as the Republican Co-Lead. Knight is a veteran of the U.S. Army and currently sits on the House Armed Services Committee where he serves on the Subcommittee on Tactical Air & Land Forces and the Subcommittee on Seapower & Projection Forces.
Like this:
Like Loading...
Related
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.
5 Comments
Pete Knight what the heck are you doing! Get out of Trumps way as he brings NATO countries in line and induce them to cough up cash. NATO is not going anywhere. Trump wanted them to think understand how much it is in their interest to work with USA and not take us for granted. Your bill is stupid. Shame on you!
Pete Knight isn’t doing anything other than (hopefully) resting in peace.
Too little too late Knight an.
I think they finally got to him.
Turkey no longer shares our values as an abusive autocracy. They refuse to release an American pastor and have been proven Untrustworthy of our latest technology. Until they fully pay their bills, reforms couldn’t hurt