Bill > S2914

This bill aims to strengthen strategic defense cooperation between the United States and NATO allies located on the Eastern Flank (countries bordering Russia, Belarus, or Ukraine) by establishing a formal policy framework for prioritizing defense assistance and cooperation. The bill defines "Eastern Flank strategic defense partners" as NATO members like Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia that meet specific criteria, including committing to spend 5% of their GDP on defense by 2035 and hosting NATO military forces. The legislation directs the Secretaries of State and Defense to prioritize these countries for various forms of military assistance, including foreign military financing, capacity building, excess defense article transfers, and participation in military exercises. The bill also instructs the Secretary of Defense to prioritize these countries under the War Reserve Stocks for Allies program, with the goal of pre-positioning defense articles to increase regional deterrence and reduce strategic response time in case of potential conflict. Additionally, the bill requires a congressional briefing within 180 days of enactment to outline the implementation of these defense cooperation strategies, reflecting the United States' commitment to supporting NATO's eastern members in the face of potential threats from Russia and Belarus.

Government Affairs

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2914/all-info