U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and U.S. Representative Mike Rogers, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, released a joint statement on April 7 ahead of President Donald Trump’s scheduled meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
The statement comes as leaders prepare to discuss defense spending commitments among NATO allies and ongoing security challenges in regions such as the Strait of Hormuz. The chairmen said they are interested in hearing about how member nations are implementing a commitment to spend five percent of their gross domestic product on defense and how they plan to address threats from Iran.
“We welcome NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s visit to Washington. We look forward to hearing how allies are implementing their historic commitment, driven by President Trump, to spend 5% of GDP on defense and what more they will do to respond to Iran’s threats. We are also interested in hearing about any positive developments in the UK-led effort to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Free passage and commerce are vital to our shared security and prosperity,” Wicker and Rogers said.
They added: “While some allies, including Spain, have not fully stepped up, Operation Epic Fury has benefited significantly from the critical support of the vast majority of our NATO allies. A strong NATO remains firmly in the U.S. interest. As Iran, China, Russia, and North Korea increasingly work together to undermine our security, we must continue working with our allies to guarantee their failure.”
The House Armed Services Committee includes members such as Representatives Joe Wilson, Michael R. Turner and Robert J. Wittman according to the official website. The committee oversees national defense programs including those related to the Armed Forces under United States Code according to its official website. Rogers served as chair for both the 118th and 119th Congresses according to its official website.
Legislation influenced by this committee includes processes like funding through the National Defense Authorization Act for community projects according to its official website. Its jurisdiction is defined under Rule X of House Rules for matters concerning national defense according to its official website, placing it within congressional oversight for military affairs as reported by its official site.