only NATO headquarters on U.S. soil<\/a>, and the outcome could have a significant effect on Hampton Roads. While NATO\u2019s presence in Norfolk dates to 1952, the Allied Command Transformation was established June 19, 2003, following a restructuring in response to the 9\/11 terrorist attacks. For the past two decades, the Norfolk-based alliance has led NATO\u2019s development of new warfighting capabilities through scientific research, experimentation and technological development.<\/p>\nKaine said there has been \u201csome ambiguity\u201d surrounding the country\u2019s partnership with NATO, referencing a statement made by a cabinet secretary to President Donald Trump.<\/p>\n
\u201cCabinet Secretary (Mark) Esper indicated that it was President Trump\u2019s desire to exit NATO if he were to have a second term as president. It\u2019s very important that we send a message to NATO allies and those who rely upon NATO support, that no matter how the 2024 presidential election comes out, no president of either party at any time can withdraw from NATO without congressional authorization,\u201d Kaine said Wednesday. <\/p>\n
But in outlining her reasoning for an amendment to the House\u2019s version of the defense spending bill, Greene said NATO is \u201cnot a reliable partner whose defense spending should be paid for by American citizens.\u201d<\/p>\n
The House will consider Greene\u2019s amendment, along with approximately 1,000 others, this week. Both of the Republican House members who represent parts of Hampton Roads, Rob Wittman and Jen Kiggans, indicated Wednesday that they support a continued partnership with NATO.<\/p>\n
\u201cRep. Wittman has always been a strong supporter of NATO, which plays a vital role in promoting democratic values around the globe. This alliance is more relevant than ever as Europe unites to counter Russia\u2019s senseless war of aggression in Ukraine. Virginia is proud to be NATO\u2019s home in North America with its presence in Norfolk, and the United States is safer because of our role as a leader in NATO,\u201d said Julianne Heberlein, communications director for Wittman.<\/p>\n
\u201cCongresswoman Kiggans is a staunch supporter of the NATO Alliance and its positive impact on global security. She will continue to be a loud voice for strong national security and a unified global defense in Congress,\u201d said Reilly Richardson, press secretary for Kiggans.<\/p>\n
In a statement to The Virginian-Pilot on Wednesday, Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) called Greene\u2019s amendment \u201cludicrous\u201d and \u201ccompletely disconnect from reality.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNATO stands for democracy, peace, and strategic coordination with our closest allies around the globe \u2013 crucial work that actually happens in large part at the NATO Allied Command Transformation in Hampton Roads. Particularly now, amid heightened Russian aggression and an increasingly antagonistic China, we need to bring our allies closer, not push them away,\u201d Warner said in an emailed statement.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Kaine\u2019s version of the amendment would require the president to seek the advice and consent of the Senate before suspending or withdrawing U.S. membership from NATO.<\/p>\n
The amendment circulating the senate has received bipartisan support and was co-sponsored by Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida. Kaine\u2019s bill was first introduced last year, passing the Senate Foreign Relations Committee with a 20 to 1 vote.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut I could never maneuver it for action on the Senate floor. But because the vote was so bipartisan, I wanted to do it again this year as a way of sending a strong message that Congress is very much supportive of U.S. NATO leadership and the incredible work NATO has been doing, particularly in the war in Ukraine,\u201d Kaine said.<\/p>\n
The Senate will consider the amendment next week.<\/p>\n
_____<\/p>\n
\u00a92023 The Virginian-Pilot. Visit at pilotonline.com<\/a>. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.<\/p>\nKeyWords:: 2b4a3f37-eba1-4514-96b3-b01677c8e837
\n2b4a3f37 eba1 4514 96b3 b01677c8e837
\nBC-CONGRESS-SPENDING-NATO:VP
\nBC CONGRESS SPENDING NATO VP<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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