NDAA Introduces Ban Preventing Presidents from Withdrawing from NATO

Language in the annual National Defense Authorization Act prohibits any president in the future from pulling the United States out of NATO without the approval of the Senate or an act of Congress. 

The provision, led by Sens. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and Tim Kaine, D-Va., was included to underscore the commitment from Congress to the alliance, which often came under fire from former President Donald Trump when he was in the White House, reports The Hill.

The measure had been introduced several times in recent years, including this past summer, as well as when Trump was in office.

NATO took on a revitalized importance following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Ukraine is not a NATO member state, but Kaine said in a statement that the alliance has “held strong in response to [Russian President Vladimir] Putin’s war in Ukraine and rising challenges around the world.”

The senator added that the measure in the NDAA “reaffirms U.S. 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.”

Rubio said the move also serves to “ensure we are protecting our national interests and protecting the security of our democratic allies.”

Biden, while in office, has been investing heavily in NATO by committing troops and resources to Europe to take a stand against Russian President Vladimir Putin. He has also been part of an ongoing push to bring Sweden into the alliance and the move to include Finland. 

Trump’s comments on NATO, his advocates say, have brought member states to fulfill their spending contributions. However, his critics say his strong words on the alliance are weakening its unity and fear he will either weaken the United States’ commitment to the NATO mutual defense pact or pull the United States out altogether if he is elected president.