Norman D. Dicks: “NATO funding in this bill should not be curtailed because the U.S. and the NATO nations are one another's closest…”

“NATO funding in this bill should not be curtailed because the U.S. and the NATO nations are one another's closest partners, and the NATO alliance has been a vital and successful part of U.S. foreign policy dating back to its formation in 1949. While the alliance must evolve in light of changing world events, there is no other practical option to structure U.S. strategic and security cooperation with our European allies. For all NATO nations, the alliance allows for security capabilities and a structure to control operations that the allies on their own could not afford to maintain. Active participation in NATO also allows the U.S. to pursue defenses against emerging threats, such as implementation of improved missile defense capabilities. To maintain its commitment to NATO, the U.S. must continue to contribute funding to NATO programs. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.”