Sorry to see U.S. Rep. Chip Roy’s vote on NATO

Dear Editor:

Isn’t it amazing that Central Texas has a claim to fame already thanks to a vote from new U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, who represents a part of Hays County. Mr. Roy was among only 22 members of Congress who voted against the NATO Support Act, H.R. 676. The resolution stated specifically “The President shall not withdraw support from NATO.”

Following the resounding positive message from the House, President Trump said, “We will be with NATO 100 percent,” a reversal of his earlier messages, which seemed to threaten a U.S. withdrawal from the important strategic partnership of 29 nations that has existed since 1949. The alliance is composed of North American and European allies.

From its start, NATO’s main purpose has been to defend each other from the possibility of Soviet interference or takeover of their nations. Trump has consistently criticized the amount of money the U.S. pays for NATO and has threatened to leave the alliance.

The withdrawal from NATO, of course, would be a move that Russia would welcome, something that is interesting to follow given the close relationship the president seems to have with Russia and the ongoing investigation into Russian interference in the U.S. 2016 elections.

Thank goodness U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, who represents another part of San Marcos/Hays County, as would be expected, voted in favor of the resolution. Mr. Roy is showing himself early to be someone who clearly does not represent the best interests of the United States. Sorry to see this as one of his first votes.

Kate McCarty

San Marcos