Urging all members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to spend a minimum of 5 percent of gross domestic product on defense.
Summary
Senate Resolution 346 urges all NATO members to spend a minimum of 5% of their GDP on defense. The resolution congratulates President Trump and NATO leadership on increased defense investment commitments. It also calls on NATO members to adhere to the 5% GDP commitment, split between military and non-traditional defense spending.
Expected Effects
If implemented, this resolution could lead to increased military readiness and deterrence capabilities within NATO. It may also strain the economies of some member nations. The resolution also highlights concerns about the ambiguity of current spending agreements and the inclusion of domestic infrastructure in defense calculations.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced military readiness and deterrence posture of NATO.
- Increased ability to respond to evolving threats, including cyber warfare.
- Potential for greater burden-sharing among NATO members.
- Strengthened transatlantic cooperation and collective security.
- Clearer commitment to defense spending among allies.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential economic strain on NATO members, particularly those with smaller GDPs.
- Risk of diverting resources from other important sectors, such as education and healthcare.
- Concerns about the inclusion of domestic infrastructure in defense spending calculations.
- Possible disagreements among members regarding the allocation of defense funds.
- Ambiguity in the language of the Hague Agreement regarding spending requirements.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution itself does not directly violate the US Constitution, as it is an expression of the Senate's opinion and urging action from NATO allies. The power to declare war and raise armies is vested in Congress (Article I, Section 8). However, the specific allocation of funds and resources within the US government would still be subject to constitutional constraints and congressional oversight.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).