S.Amdt. 3518

This amendment, submitted by Mr. Tillis and Mr. Justice, seeks to add a section to bill S. 2296 regarding the Sense of Congress with respect to NATO defense spending. Its purpose is to establish accountability for NATO member countries to meet specific defense investment benchmarks based on their GDP.

The amendment aims to add the following to the bill:

• Investment Benchmarks: It defines spending targets as 2 percent of GDP before January 1, 2030; 3.5 percent for fiscal years 2030 through 2034; and 5 percent for fiscal year 2035 and beyond.

• Restrictions on Leadership and Events: It states that citizens from member countries not meeting these benchmarks should not be eligible for senior leadership positions (such as the Secretary General or uniformed command billets at or above the OF-7 level). Additionally, countries not meeting these benchmarks in the preceding fiscal year should not host high-profile events like NATO Summits or meetings of Foreign or Defense Ministers.

• U.S. Diplomatic Action: It directs the President to have the United States Permanent Representative to NATO advocate for these investment commitments. This includes withholding U.S. support for leadership nominations from non-compliant countries and opposing proposals to host ministerial events in those countries.