Senator Collins Joins Bipartisan Group in Reintroducing Bill to Prevent any President from Leaving NATO

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Jack Reed (D-RI), Lindsey Graham, (R-SC), Chris Coons (D-DE), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to explicitly prohibit any President of the United States from withdrawing from NATO without Senate approval.

The resolution requires the President to seek the advice and consent of the Senate to suspend, terminate, or withdraw U.S. membership in NATO and formalizes the Senate’s opposition to doing so. If the President attempts to leave NATO without Senate approval, this bill prohibits any funding from being used to do so and also authorizes Congressional Legal Counsel to challenge the Administration in court.

“Over the past seven decades, NATO has proven to be the world’s most successful military alliance and a major force for peace, stability, and prosperity.  It is critical that we reaffirm the United States’ commitment to this vital pillar of our national security,” said Senator Collins.  “I encourage my colleagues to support this resolution, which would be a strong statement of support for this important alliance that serves the strategic interests of the United States.”

The full text of the legislation can be viewed here.