On the recordJuly 6, 2011
My amendment would eliminate the Navy's funding for NATO research and development and transfer $9.1 million to the Israeli Cooperative Program. The Secretary of Defense has gone on record stating that, and I quote, ``The NATO alliance has been used by many European nations as a means to subsidize their own defense spending with U.S. taxpayer money.'' I cannot agree more with the Secretary. Many members of NATO refuse to bear their share of the cost and risk. Instead, Mr. Chairman, we should invest our valuable research dollars in an ally who is more than willing to pull its weight and take the fight to the enemy. The Israeli Cooperative Program is a ballistic missile program comanaged by Israel and the United States that will ensure the capability of our two missile defense programs. Mr. Chairman, we have never had a greater need for missile defense, not only in this Nation, but in the Middle East with our great ally Israel. We have no greater ally in the Middle East than Israel. And our research programs should reflect our commitment to those allies who stand ready and willing to partner with us to protect our mutual interests. This would strengthen that mutual interest and strengthen that partnership. Mr. Chairman, I urge support of this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.
