Bill > HR2010

This bill, known as the NATO Edge Act, aims to prevent the President of the United States from unilaterally withdrawing from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) without significant congressional oversight. The bill makes several key provisions: first, it reaffirms NATO's critical importance to international peace and U.S. security, highlighting its historical role in deterring conflict and promoting stability. It specifically requires that any potential withdrawal from NATO can only occur with Senate approval (requiring a two-thirds majority vote) or through an act of Congress. Additionally, the bill introduces a condition that NATO members who have not yet met the 2014 Wales Summit commitment of spending 2% of their gross domestic product on defense must make an explicit commitment to do so within 5 years. The legislation allows Senate and House legal counsels to initiate judicial proceedings to oppose any unauthorized withdrawal and includes reporting requirements to congressional foreign affairs committees. Importantly, these provisions are not permanent, with a sunset clause that will terminate the amendments on September 30, 2033, after which the original NATO withdrawal provisions will be restored. The bill underscores the U.S. commitment to NATO, particularly in light of ongoing geopolitical challenges, such as tensions with Russia and the conflict in Ukraine.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2010/all-info