Senate committee passes bill to limit president from withdrawing from NATO

U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) applauded the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for passing his bill that would prohibit any president of the United States from withdrawing from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) without congressional approval.

“Recent actions have raised serious questions among our allies about America’s commitment to NATO. This bill would clarify that no U.S. President can withdraw from NATO without congressional approval. This sends a strong message that — after 70 years — Congress sees the continuing vitality of the alliance,” Kaine, who is a member of both the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Armed Services Committee, said.

Specifically, Kaine’s bill would require the president to seek the advice and consent of the U.S. Senate to terminate U.S. participation in NATO. Further, it would require the president to notify the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee of any effort to terminate U.S. membership in NATO within 48 hours after any such action is taken. In addition, it would prohibit the use of funds for such actions without Congressional approval.

Finally, it would authorize the Senate Legal Counsel and General Counsel to the House of Representatives to challenge the Administration in court should the president seek a unilateral withdrawal.