Andy Biggs: “As I have done for each of the past 5 years--this is the sixth year in a row--I rise to speak in support of my…”

“As I have done for each of the past 5 years--this is the sixth year in a row--I rise to speak in support of my amendment, which would prohibit funds for any project or activity related to NATO until the Secretary of Defense certifies to congressional defense committees that each member of NATO has spent 2 percent of their respective GDP on defense expenditures. In 2006, NATO members agreed to spend at least 2 percent of their gross domestic product on defense spending to ensure the readiness of the alliance. By 2014, just three members had reached the agreed-upon 2 percent funding level. Under a new 2014 agreement, each member country has until 2024 to reach their 2 percent goal. Unfortunately, as of 2023, just 11 of the 32 countries, including the United States, contributed at least 2 percent of GDP on defense. This has to change. In 2023, Italy was projected to spend just 1.46 percent of its GDP on defense, and its Defense Minister stated that they will certainly not meet NATO's target in 2024 and will likely not meet NATO's target by 2028. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.”