Rep. Gallego Amendment Would Prevent Trump from Ordering Troop Reduction in Germany
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) introduced an amendment to the House National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would protect U.S. troops levels and infrastructure in Germany and Europe as part of a larger allied support effort by the House Armed Services Committee and Congress at large.
Rep. Gallego introduced the amendment in response to news that President Trump intended to cut the number of U.S. troops stationed in Germany by 9,500 and in the wake of reports that the President allowed Russian bounties on the heads of U.S. troops to go unpunished.
"President Trump's plan to quickly and drastically reduce U.S. military presence in Germany is baffling and ill-advised," said Rep. Gallego. "In a time of global unrest and increasing Russian aggression, it is more important than ever that our NATO allies and partners remain confident about the United States' commitment. My colleagues on both sides of the aisle have been urging the President to not take this step, and my amendment will introduce safeguards to retain our deterrent force in NATO."
The amendment would prevent a reduction in troops levels in the region below June levels unless the Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff certify that such a reduction is in the national security interest of the United States and won't undermine the security of the United States or its allies in the region. It also mandates that the Secretary consult with U.S. allies and partners on the topic, including all members of NATO.
Rep. Gallego is a Marine Corps combat veteran who served in Iraq.