; (7) notes the commitment of North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies to contribute to strengthening their free institutions, bringing about a better understanding of the principles on which such institutions are founded and promoting conditions of stability and well-being; and (8) welcomes efforts to reform and modernize the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to meet current and future threats, including though accelerated modernization, improved readiness, command structure adaptation, and increased speed of alliance decision-making. 1245. Sense of Senate on United States force posture in Europe and the Republic of Poland It is the sense of the Senate that— (1) the 2018 National Defense Strategy identifies long-term strategic competition with the Russian Federation as a principal priority for the Department of Defense that requires increased and sustained investment; (2) despite significant progress through the European Deterrence Initiative, the current force posture of the United States is not yet sufficient to support the National Defense Strategy; (3) due to the geostrategic location and capabilities of the armed forces of the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Poland is critical to deterring, defending against, and defeating Russian aggression against North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies in Central and Eastern Europe; and (4) the United States should increase the persistent presence of United States forces in the Republic of Poland, including key combat enabler units such as warfighting headquarters elements— (A) to enhance deterrence against Russian aggression; and (B) to reduce the risk of executing Department of Defense contingency plans. 1246. Sense of Senate on United States partnership with the Republic of Georgia It is the sense of the Senate that the United States should— (1) promote the enduring strategic partnership of the United States with the Republic of Georgia