Rep. Michael Turner (R-OH) and Rep. Jim Marshall (D-GA) have introduced the bipartisan NATO First Act (H.R. 2797) to fortify America’s transatlantic security links with our European allies and partners.
By building a robust, integrated U.S. and allied security framework in Europe, the NATO First Act will bolster common defenses, protect the United States homeland, and strengthen an alliance that has ensured peace and stability in Europe for over 60 years, the members said in a joint statement.
The legislation, which Turner and Marshall, referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee would also strengthen the United States’ negotiating position during ongoing engagement with Russia on key issues, such as the START Treaty.
“The NATO First Act would assure our European allies and partners that America remains fully committed to preserving the role of NATO for our mutual security. This legislation will continue American’s strong commitment to European defense while taking steps to strengthen our NATO allies and partner nations,” Turner. “As we begin new START negotiations, the NATO First Act would bolster America’s negotiating position with Russia and ensure that our defense and security interests are preserved.”
Marshall said, “Our effective support of NATO is vital to European and global security. The specific NATO support priorities advocated by this legislation should assist and guide the Obama Administration in its strategic arms negotiations with Russia.”
On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Alliance, the Heads of State and Government of NATO signed the Declaration on Alliance Security in Strasbourg and Kehl. The NATO First Act would implement the principles outlined in this declaration and demonstrate the United State’s commitment to Article 5 of the NATO Treaty and transatlantic security by mandating policies that would support the indivisibility of Allied security.
Specifically, the NATO First Act achieves the following goals:
Maintains Current U.S. Military Force Presence in Europe; Increases Building Partnership Capacity (BPC) Funding for NATO allies and Partners;
Supports the NATO Special Operations Coordination Center (NSCC);
Ensures Extended Deterrence Commitment in Europe; Provides $500 Million for Long-Range Missile Defense in Europe; Establishes a Short-Range Air and Missile Defense Battery in Poland; Limits the Russian Federation’s Ability to Reduce Certain Capabilities Pursuant to Treaty or Other Agreement; Expands the United States-Russian Federation Joint Center to Allow the Exchange of Data on Missile Defense.