Christopher Shays: “Amendment offered by Mr. Shays: At the end of title X (page 359, after line 20), insert the following new section: SEC.…”

“Amendment offered by Mr. Shays: At the end of title X (page 359, after line 20), insert the following new section: SEC. . DEFENSE BURDENSHARING. (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings: (1) Although the Cold War has ended, the United States continues to spend billions of dollars to promote regional security and to make preparations for regional contingencies. (2) United States defense expenditures primarily promote United States national security interests; however, they also significantly contribute to the defense of our allies. (3) In 1993, the gross domestic product of the United States equaled $6,300,000,000,000, while the gross domestic product of other NATO member countries totaled $7,200,000,000,000. (4) Over the course of 1993, the United States spent 4.7 percent of its gross domestic product on defense, while other NATO members collectively spent 2.5 percent of their gross domestic product on defense. (5) In addition to military spending, foreign assistance plays a vital role in the establishment and maintenance of stability in other nations and in implementing the United States national security strategy. (6) This assistance has often prevented the outbreak of conflicts which otherwise would have required costly military interventions by the United States and our allies.”