The US wants to make it more difficult to leave NATO: a bipartisan bill has been introduced to Congress

The US House of Representatives has introduced a bipartisan bill that would strengthen the role of Congress in the event of the president’s attempt to initiate the procedure for the country’s withdrawal from NATO. The initiative stipulates that such a procedure cannot continue without the approval of lawmakers.

The NATO Shield Act bill was introduced on September 24 by Democrat Jimmy Panetta and Republican Joe Wilson. Its purpose is to establish an additional legislative mechanism for Congress to control possible actions of the US president regarding the withdrawal from the North Atlantic Alliance.

Information about the introduction of the bipartisan initiative is also confirmed by Anadolu Agency.

What the NATO Shield Act proposes

According to the bill, the US president must consult with Congress before any actions aimed at the country’s withdrawal from NATO.

If such actions are nevertheless initiated, the administration must provide Congress with a corresponding report within 48 hours.

Another key provision concerns the timing: after 30 days, the withdrawal procedure should automatically terminate if Congress does not allow it to continue.

In addition, the bill provides for a ban on the use of federal funds to implement an unauthorized US withdrawal from the Alliance and an accelerated procedure for considering relevant resolutions in Congress.

Can the US president now independently withdraw the country from NATO

American legislation already contains restrictions on the US withdrawal from the North Atlantic Treaty.

The current norm provides that the president cannot unilaterally withdraw the US from the treaty without the consent of the Senate by a two-thirds vote of the senators present or a separate act of Congress. Restrictions are also established on the use of budget funds for such a decision.

The new NATO Shield Act should create additional safeguards at the very beginning of the withdrawal procedure and establish clear deadlines for Congress to participate.

Why the bill was introduced by representatives of both parties

The initiative is bipartisan: its authors were representatives of the Democratic and Republican parties.

Panetta stated that Congress should participate in decisions regarding the future of the US in NATO. Wilson, in turn, stressed the need for a comprehensive Congressional review of decisions that could affect the Alliance.

Thus, the introduction of the NATO Shield Act does not mean the beginning of the US withdrawal from NATO. It is a legislative initiative designed to establish additional Congressional control over any potential attempt by the US administration to launch such a procedure.