Dozens of House Republicans on Friday voted for an amendment that would decrease funding for NATO by $481 million.
The measure, which was rejected 333-80, was part of a wider funding bill for Veterans Affairs and military construction and came at a time when President Donald Trump and his administration have repeatedly cast doubt on U.S. membership in the bloc, as well as other members’ contributions.
Florida Representative Greg Steube, a Republican who pushed the amendment, said on X that those who voted against it wanted to “keep sending your tax dollars to NATO instead of prioritizing our own troops and military infrastructure.”
What Did Amendment Say?
Steube’s amendment, one of several submitted for House Resolution (H.R.) 8469, would have redirected NATO funds to use for military construction instead. The total funds were $481,832,000.
The Florida congressman said it was about putting America first, “not to subsidize the defenses of NATO countries that lecture us on peace, hesitate to stand with us, and in some cases actively undermine our efforts to confront the terrorist regime in Iran,” he told the House.
Steube said the U.S. could not continue to subsidize NATO at the expense of American taxpayers—a message similar to the one from Trump.
Who Voted to Decrease NATO Funding?
House Republicans who voted for the amendment:
Some of the names on the list are familiar MAGA and America first Republicans who have repeatedly voiced concerns over U.S. efforts overseas, including the ongoing war with Iran, as well as U.S. membership in NATO.
What Else Is in Wider Funding Bill?
H.R. 8469 would:
- Set enforceable rules on how agencies spend this money
- Fund construction and maintenance of U.S. military bases worldwide
- Pay for veteran healthcare, benefits and cemetery services
- Support military families’ housing and needs
- Maintain and upgrade defense infrastructure
- Continue programs addressing long-term veteran health issues
What Has Trump Said About NATO?
Trump has in recent weeks intensified his criticism of NATO, repeatedly questioning whether the United States should remain in the alliance and suggesting that a potential exit remains on the table.
Trump has said a U.S. withdrawal is “beyond reconsideration,” underscoring how far his rhetoric has escalated beyond earlier complaints about defense spending and burden‑sharing. At the same time, officials have made clear that while no formal withdrawal process is underway, Trump continues to raise the issue in discussions with allies and senior leadership.
Central to Trump’s argument is his belief that NATO allies have not supported the United States in moments of crisis, particularly during the recent war with Iran.
He has accused member countries of failing when “tested” and, in stark terms relayed by the White House, argued that “NATO turned their backs on the American people” during the war. Trump has linked that frustration to specific grievances, including allies’ reluctance to provide military backing or logistical access, reinforcing his long-standing claim that the alliance is not operating as a reciprocal partnership.
What Happens Next
While Steube’s amendment did not pass, the wider spending bill continues its way through Congress, alongside other legislation needed yearly to fund the federal government.