READOUT: Ranking Member Shaheen, Colleagues Meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte

ANKARA, TÜRKIYE - Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Co-Chair of the bipartisan Senate NATO Observer Group, met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on the sidelines of the 2026 NATO Summit, alongside other members of her congressional delegation.

Senator Shaheen discussed the future of the transatlantic Alliance at a pivotal moment for European and global security. The delegation members welcomed NATO Allies' progress toward increased defense spending and underscored the importance of translating those commitments into real capabilities, including munitions production, air defense, military mobility, critical infrastructure protection and long-term readiness.

Senator Shaheen and delegation members reaffirmed Congress' strong bipartisan support for NATO and emphasized that a secure Europe remains firmly in America's national security and economic interest. They also discussed the importance of sustained support for Ukraine, which continues to defend its sovereignty and provide critical battlefield innovation to the Alliance. Members of the delegation stressed that any changes to U.S. force posture in Europe must be undertaken in full consultation with Allies and guided by military requirements.

Ranking Member Shaheen previously met with Secretary General Rutte during his most recent visit to Washington in June.

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