[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 26 (Sunday, February 11, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S857]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

  SA 1609. Mr. COONS submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 1388 proposed by Mrs. Murray (for herself and Mr. Schumer) 
to the bill H.R. 815, to amend title 38, United States Code, to make 
certain improvements relating to the eligibility of veterans to receive 
reimbursement for emergency treatment furnished through the Veterans 
Community Care program, and for other purposes; which was ordered to 
lie on the table; as follows:

        At the appropriate place, insert the following:
       Sec. __.  It is the policy of the United States--
       (1) that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is 
     the world's preeminent political and military alliance 
     committed to democracy and the collective defense of its 
     members;
       (2) that democracies across the alliance face external 
     threats from authoritarian regimes such as Russia and China 
     and internal threats from proponents of illiberalism;
       (3) to reaffirm the unequivocal support of the United 
     States for NATO as an alliance founded on democratic 
     principles;
       (4) to reaffirm that, for 74 years, the unity and strength 
     of NATO has contributed to peace and stability in Europe and 
     around the world;
       (5) that NATO members should consider the commitment to 
     spend 2 percent of Gross Domestic Product as the lowest 
     percent contribution to ensure the sustainability, 
     resilience, and readiness of the alliance;
       (6) to emphasize that the NATO alliance should continue to 
     support Ukraine as it fights for freedom, sovereignty, and 
     territorial integrity;
       (7) to reaffirm the commitment of the United States to meet 
     obligations as a member of the North Atlantic Treaty, done at 
     Washington, DC, April 4, 1949, including article 5; and
       (8) foreign assistance is in the national security interest 
     of the United States and that efforts of the United States 
     and other friendly countries to promote peace and security 
     continue to require measures of support based upon the 
     principle of effective self-help and mutual aid.
                                 ______