Senator Collins Cosponsors Bipartisan Bill to Prevent the President from Leaving NATO

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) cosponsored a bipartisan bill to explicitly prohibit the President of the United States from withdrawing from NATO without Senate approval.  The bill would require the President to seek the advice and consent of the Senate to modify or terminate U.S. membership in NATO and formalize the Senate’s opposition to withdrawing from the treaty.  If the President attempts to withdraw from NATO without Senate approval, this bill would also authorize the Senate Legal Counsel to challenge the Administration in court.

“NATO has proven to be the most successful military alliance over the past seven decades.  It is critical that we reaffirm the United States’ commitment to this vital pillar of our national security,” said Senator Collins.  “I am encouraged by the strong support from both sides of the aisle for this important alliance that serves the strategic interests of the United States.”

This week, Senator Collins joined a bipartisan group of 14 Senators and Ambassadors from North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and non-NATO partner nations to discuss U.S.-NATO relations and ongoing Russian aggression, as well as reaffirm America’s commitment to our allies and to transatlantic cooperation.

Last month, the Senate voted 97-2 to reaffirm its support for NATO.

The legislation was introduced by Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Cory Gardner (R-CO), and Jack Reed (D-RI).  The full text of the bill can be viewed HERE.