The NATO Support Act, H.R. 676, advanced the House of Representatives Tuesday, which original co-sponsor Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) said reaffirms Congressional support in the multinational military alliance.
“America’s alliances are a source of strength and security for our country, and among our defense treaties, NATO stands alone as the most successful military alliance in history,” Bacon said. “On the 70th anniversary of this historic treaty, it is right for Congress to express its support for the NATO Alliance and to make clear to our allies and adversaries alike that the American people are absolutely committed to staying in NATO.”
Bill proponents said the legislation asserts Constitutional authority in providing for the nation’s defense of by requiring advanced approval of funding to withdraw from America’s defensive alliance with NATO.
“As a student of history, it is clear our defense alliances have preserved peace and greatly enhanced economic prosperity around the world since the end of the second World War,” Bacon said. “I can confidently state from first-hand experience as a career military officer and former base commander in Europe that our participation in the NATO alliance remains critical to U.S. military operations today.”
NATO is a security alliance comprised of 28 countries from North America and Europe. President Harry Truman signed the North Atlantic Treaty in Washington D.C. in April 1949. The Senate later ratified it in July 1949 by a vote of 82-13.