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Congressmen Panetta, Gallagher Introduce House Resolution to Support Renaming NATO Headquarters After Senator John McCain

September 6, 2018

Bipartisan bill is the companion to the Senate Resolution introduced by Senators Rubio and Cardin

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) and Congressman Mike Gallagher (R-WI) today introduced a bipartisan resolution to support the renaming of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) headquarters after the late Senator John McCain (R-AZ).

"Senator John McCain understood the importance of NATO and America's steadfast role in the alliance. The United States and our NATO allies ensure enduring peace, stability, and security around the world. Naming the headquarters after Senator McCain is a tribute to his support for the alliance, and signals Congress's commitment to the institutions and individuals that enhance our national security," said Congressman Panetta.

"John McCain dedicated his life to the defense of freedom. I can think of no more appropriate tribute than naming the headquarters of the free world's foundational alliance in his memory. I hope his lasting legacy will inspire future generations of leaders on both sides of the Atlantic to continue his tireless efforts in pursuit of a Europe whole, free, and at peace," said Congressman Gallagher.

The full text of the resolution can be found here. This resolution is the companion to a bill introduced by Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Ben Cardin (D-MD).

The bill is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Don Bacon (R-NE), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Joe Courtney (D-CT), Austin Scott (R-GA), Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ).

In July, Congressman Panetta introduced the bipartisan No NATO Withdrawal Act, H.R. 6530, to prohibit funds from being used to withdraw the United States from NATO. Additionally, the bill states that it is the policy of the United States to remain a member in good standing of NATO, to reject any efforts to withdraw from the alliance, and to continue to work with member nations to ensure each country spends at least 2 percent of its GDP on defense spending, in accordance with the 2014 NATO Wales Summit agreement.