The amendment, filed by a Florida Republican, was part of a wider funding bill for Veterans Affairs and military construction.
Steube's amendment, one of several submitted for House Resolution 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.
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. Set enforceable rules on how agencies spend this moneyPay for veteran healthcare, benefits and cemetery servicesContinue programs addressing long-term veteran health issuesTrump has in recent weeks intensified his criticism of NATO, repeatedly questioningand 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.
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.
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Eighty House Republicans back $482 million NATO cut to boost US basesRep. Greg Steube's bill would have shifted money from the NATO Security Investment Program to military construction projects at American bases.
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