— from Amanda Munger for Rep. Rick Larsen’s office —
WASHINGTON, D.C. – From November 16-19, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, traveled to Halifax to attend the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and the Halifax International Security Forum.
Throughout the Assembly, Rep. Larsen met with his NATO counterparts to discuss issues including protecting elections from foreign interference, security challenges in the Arctic, science and technology investments and international trade.
[perfectpullquote align=”right” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]No nation is ‘delinquent’ or owes money to the United States[/perfectpullquote]
Additionally, members had the opportunity to hear about commitments on defense spending.
“At its heart, the NATO alliance is about nations of similar values working together to confront and deter shared threats. It is not a protection racket,” said Larsen.
“While NATO members have committed to spending two percent of GDP on defense by 2024, no nation is ‘delinquent’ or owes money to the United States, as the president has suggested.”
“Meeting with parliamentarians from other NATO member states was particularly valuable,” Larsen continued. “Our Baltic allies are investing in their own defense and the lethality of the alliance. And the Nordic nations are important partners and leaders in defense innovation.
Earlier this year, Larsen sent a letter to President Trump underscoring the importance of Norway to the United States.
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