Lafayette Reporter

Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana has introduced a resolution calling for the next NATO Secretary General to be from a country that meets the alliance's defense spending pledge. Kennedy stated, "NATO can't deter or answer aggression from hostile regimes if our own member nations show a lack of resolve. No leader from a country that fails to meet its own defense pledge should be able to lead NATO."

The resolution, supported by Senators Mike Braun, Bill Cassidy, and Markwayne Mullin, recognizes that only 11 NATO member countries had met the minimum defense spending goal of two percent of GDP by 2022. It also declares that NATO's effectiveness is compromised when its Secretary General represents a country that does not fulfill its commitment to defense spending.

The current NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, is set to end his term in October. The likely successor, Mark Rutte of the Netherlands, has faced criticism for his country's failure to meet the two percent defense spending target during his time as prime minister.

In a background statement, it is highlighted that NATO members first agreed to the two percent defense spending target in 2006, reaffirming their commitment in 2014. Despite pledges from many member countries to increase defense spending following Russia's actions in Ukraine, some may not reach the minimum contribution until 2035.

Senator Kennedy has been vocal in his support for NATO allies increasing defense spending, leading bipartisan efforts to urge member countries to meet their commitments. His resolution aims to uphold NATO's principles by ensuring that the next Secretary General comes from a country that fulfills its defense spending pledge.