US Congress passes bill prohibiting president from unilaterally withdrawing from NATO
Kyiv • UNN
The US Congress has passed a bill that would prohibit the US president from withdrawing from NATO without congressional approval, reflecting bipartisan commitment to the Alliance. The law passed by the Senate will supplement the US National Defense Authorization Act.
The U.S. Congress approved the law drafted by Senators Marco Rubio (Republican Party) and Tim Kaine (Democrats), according to which the President of the United States of America would be prohibited from unilaterally withdrawing from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). This was reported by The Hill, UNN.
Details
The new provision emphasizes Congress's commitment to the NATO alliance. According to Tim Kaine, this law sends a strong message to authoritarian regimes around the world and reaffirms U.S. support for the alliance, which is fundamental to the country's national security.
NATO remains strong in response to [Russian President Vladimir] Putin's war in Ukraine and growing challenges around the world
Marco Rubio said the measure was a critical tool for congressional oversight.
We have to make sure we protect our national interests and the security of our democratic allies
The law stipulates, that the US president must notify the relevant committees of the House of Representatives and Senate at least 180 days before considering the "suspension, termination, censure, or withdrawal" from NATO. If the president does decide to do so. decides to do so, withdrawal would require a congressional decision or the approval of 2/3 of the senators present. senators present.
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Addendum
The previous initiative by the two senators failed when President Donald Trump was in office, and he now retains the status of a favourite for the Republican presidential nomination.
Despite Trump's ambiguous messages on NATO - the former president has previously stated that leaving the alliance would save the United States millions of dollars annually - nevertheless, supporters of the former president say that the criticism of the of the alliance has inspired member states to fulfill their commitment to reach 2 percent of defense spending.
Background
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was founded in 1949 and is a group of 31 countries in Europe and North America that exists to protect the populations and the territories of its members.
Among the the most important points of the treaty is the famous Article 5, which establishes the principle of of collective defense - if one of the NATO members is attacked, then all of them are attacked. all are attacked.
Currently, the Alliance currently has 31 members, soon to be joined by Sweden
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