Senate Limits Presidential Power Over NATO Withdrawal

Overview

• The Senate has added a provision to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that prevents future presidents from withdrawing from NATO without congressional approval.
• The provision was introduced by Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) and is seen as a move to limit Trump's power, who has been critical of NATO and rumored to be considering withdrawing from the alliance.
• The NDAA, including this provision, has been passed by the House and is expected to be signed by President Biden.
• Trump has long criticized NATO, arguing that the U.S. is carrying too much of the alliance's weight and that European allies aren't paying their fair share.
• The provision requires the president to notify Congress 180 days in advance and get the approval of two-thirds of the Senate or an act of Congress before withdrawing from NATO.