Congress passes bill blocking a president's unilateral NATO withdrawal
2 Min Read
Congress passes a bill preventing any president from withdrawing the US from NATO without Senate or congressional approval.
-
The Capitol Dome is seen as lawmakers prepare to depart for the holiday recess, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023. (AP)
Congress greenlights legislation, led by Sens. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), preventing any president from unilaterally withdrawing the US from NATO.
This move mandates Senate approval or an Act of Congress. The provision is embedded in the National Defense Authorization Act, endorsed by the House on Thursday and awaiting President Biden's signature.
The legislation underscores Congress's commitment to NATO, which was a target of former President Trump's criticism, now gaining renewed importance amid Biden's administration after the Russian military operation in Ukraine.
Read next: NATO prepping for 'high-intensity conflict' with Russia: Czech Rep.
“NATO has held strong in response to [Russian President Vladimir] Putin’s war in Ukraine and rising challenges around the world,” Kaine said in a statement, adding that the legislation “reaffirms US support for this crucial alliance that is foundational for our national security. It also sends a strong message to authoritarians around the world that the free world remains united.”
Congress endorsed a measure aimed to prevent any US president from unilaterally withdrawing the #UnitedStates from #NATO without obtaining congressional approval.
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) December 17, 2023
According to reports, the approval follows persistent concerns that Donald Trump might seek to withdraw from the… pic.twitter.com/zOU04jNblq
Rubio said the measure served as a critical tool for congressional oversight, stressing that “We must ensure we are protecting our national interests and protecting the security of our democratic allies."
During his term, Biden significantly bolstered the NATO alliance by deploying additional troops and military resources to Europe. Under his leadership, the alliance expanded with the inclusion of Finland, and ongoing efforts are in place to secure Sweden's full accession.
Read next: How 'Israel's' failure is a wake-up call for NATO: Foreign Policy
As the leading contender for the GOP presidential nomination in 2024, Trump's stance on NATO remains ambiguous. Advocates argue that his assertive rhetoric and criticisms of the alliance motivated member-states to meet their defense spending obligations, alleviating the burden on the US.
