Political Quotes

“I agree that we should be working collaboratively with our NATO allies. In fact, we do. I was fortunate to get to serve in Germany at a time when the Cold War was at its height. I saw the wall fall while I was there, and I got to see people rushing to our side. They were not asking for more government. They were asking for more freedom. Germany is reunified, things we never thought we would see, but they are also spending their money on all sorts of things except their own defense. Now, they spend something. They are helpful. I don't want to underappreciate the good things they do, but we shouldn't continue funding initiatives together unless they honor their commitment. In fact, only 7 countries out of these 23 countries are paying 2 percent of their GDP. If we don't hold them accountable, why are they going to step up? They are not. Meanwhile, we are bankrupting our own country, making us weaker, less free, less safe, more burdened by debt, and we are not holding our allies accountable for paying their fair share. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.”