Trump's plan for a huge increase in defense spending next fiscal year would mean billions more for equipment and training.
Vice Adm. Shoshana Chatfield represented the U.S. in NATO's Military Commission, the alliance's leading military board.
Democratic lawmakers vow to block bills, slow nominations and hold their own hearings to protest planned cuts to veterans programs.
Republican leaders are concerned about rumored plans to scale back American military involvement in Europe and Japan.
