; Whereas Bulgaria remains committed to the collective defense, as exemplified by hosting a NATO battlegroup with the United States participation, and by establishing a NATO littoral countries mine countermeasures task force to secure freedom of navigation in the Black Sea; Whereas prior to becoming a NATO member and subsequently, as an ally, Bulgaria participated in the United States-led and NATO missions and operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Kosovo, and the Mediterranean; Whereas Bulgaria was among the very first countries to denounce terrorism and pledge active support to the United States in the fight against terrorism following the attacks of September 11, 2001; Whereas Bulgaria provided overflight and basing rights at the town of Bourgas for Operation Enduring Freedom, representing the first stationing of foreign forces in Bulgaria since World War II, and Bulgaria deployed a nuclear, biological, and chemical protection detachment to Afghanistan as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF); Whereas the United States and Bulgaria recognize that Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has only underscored the geostrategic importance of the Black Sea region, and the need to ensure that the region remains free and secure from threats posed by Russia and other malign actors; Whereas the bilateral Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) was signed in 2006, regulating the status of forces, allowing for joint United States-Bulgarian military facilities, providing for bilateral and multilateral exercises, and facilitating the movement and temporary stationing of aircraft and vessels; Whereas Bulgaria continues to invest in defense capabilities, interoperability, and the development of a credible defense posture in cooperation with the United States, as exemplified by the purchase of sixteen F–16 Block 70 fighter jets from the United States, and intending to purchase United States Stryker combat vehicles