Sydney Kamlager-Dove: “I echo opposition to this amendment. As a member of the Transatlantic Legislators' Dialogue and the Foreign Affairs…”

“I echo opposition to this amendment. As a member of the Transatlantic Legislators' Dialogue and the Foreign Affairs Committee, I consistently encourage and push our NATO allies to get to the 2 percent goal on defense spending. It should be the floor. Nevertheless, this amendment looks to gut our support for NATO immediately and goes against what we, the United States, stand for. Just last week, we cut sessions short so that Democrats and Republicans could go to France to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-day. Planes, trains, and automobiles were used to get there. Why? Because D-day is antithetical to isolationism and is a lasting example of a successful, important partnership with a core key member of NATO. No victories happen without help. This amendment calls for an isolationist approach at a time when we need our friends more than ever. Many NATO countries are over the 2 percent, and many recognize the need to contribute more. This amendment gives Moscow what it wants, it gives China what it wants, and it gives the isolationist strain in the United States what it wants. History continues to show us that this approach does not work, it will not keep us safe, and it will not keep us free.”