Commemorating the fifteenth anniversary of NATO’s invocation of Article V to defend the United States following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

commemorates the fifteenth anniversary of NATO’s invocation of Article V to defend the United States after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001;

commends the contributions of our NATO allies and partners in our common fight against terrorism and in pursuit of international security;

honors those men and women who have died for the cause of common defense of the North Atlantic Treaty allies;

recommits the United States to the North Atlantic Treaty, especially to common defense of Treaty allies, and affirms that the United States remains fully prepared, capable, and willing to honor its commitments under Article V;

encourages all NATO allies to continue their valuable contributions to the Alliance, including by investing at least two percent of gross domestic product in national defense spending;

commends the NATO Alliance for decisions taken at the July 2016 Warsaw Summit and the President for investing in the European Reassurance Initiative to enhance deterrence and project international stability beyond NATO; and

reaffirms the commitment of the United States to deterring those who seek to destabilize the Euro-Atlantic area, and to maintaining an “Open Door” policy on welcoming new members, and welcomes the Alliance’s invitation to Montenegro.