U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Mike Turner (R-OH) are among more than two dozen original cosponsors of a bipartisan joint resolution that would require the U.S. Senate’s input on whether the president may suspend, terminate, or withdraw the United States from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
House Joint Resolution (H.J.Res.) 89 is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D-VA) and 28 original cosponsors, including Rep. Turner and lead original cosponsor Rep. Fitzpatrick. U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced companion legislation in their chamber.
“NATO is critical to the security and economic stability of the United States and our Western coalition of allies,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “As a member of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, I firmly believe that our nation’s responsibility to lead the alliance has never been more important. This bipartisan resolution ensures that the integrity of the alliance is maintained and the sole authority of Congress to determine the status of America’s treaty obligations is reaffirmed.”
If enacted, H.J.Res. 89 would mandate that any president who intends to withdraw the U.S. from NATO must acquire congressional approval or the advice and consent of two-thirds of the U.S. Senate before doing so, according to the text of the resolution.
H.J.Res. 89 also would authorize the Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives to retain counsel for any legal procedures or court challenges tied to the establishment of Congress’s authority to uphold U.S. commitments as a member of NATO, the text says.
“As head of the U.S. Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, I understand the United States’ unique role in NATO’s defense mission,” Rep. Turner said. “This bipartisan resolution strengthens our relationship with NATO and reaffirms the United States’ unwavering partnership with our allies in the alliance.”
Rep. Turner added that under Vladimir Putin’s orders, Russia violated international law by invading an independent nation and continues to take aggressive steps to escalate the war in Ukraine.
“In an increasingly complex world of threats, this legislation will make certain that the President of the United States respects Congress’s constitutional role in our international engagements,” said Rep. Turner.
Rep. McClellan agreed, saying that Russia’s continued malign behavior toward the U.S. and its allies, as well as the country’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, makes America’s continued leadership in NATO critically important.
“Approximately 19 months ago when Vladimir Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine, there was an expectation among many that the NATO alliance would bend,” the congresswoman said. “Today the opposite is true and the alliance is stronger than ever. It will only remain that way with America’s continued leadership.”