Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – Today, House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL) released the following statement regarding NATO’s decision to set a new increase defense spending to 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) spending by 2035.

"NATO’s decision to raise its defense spending commitment to 5% of GDP is a vital response to the growing threat posed by Vladimir Putin and the deepening cooperation among Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. Front-line allies like Poland and the Baltic states were already pulling their weight, the long-overdue investments now pledged by other European and Canadian allies will strengthen the Alliance significantly. President Trump was right to insist that our Allies shoulder a greater share of our collective defense—and his leadership was critical to making it happen. Ultimately, a more lethal NATO, backed by continued U.S. leadership and real burden sharing, will deter our adversaries, preserve peace, and advance America’s national interest.”