Congress approved legislation that prevents any president from withdrawing the United States from NATO without Senate approval or an Act of Congress.

The measure was included in the National Defense Authorization Act, which passed the House of Representatives and Senate.

Sens. Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) initiated the legislation.

The Hill reports:

The provision underscores Congress’s commitment to the NATO alliance that was a target of former President Trump’s ire during his term in office. The alliance has taken on revitalized importance under Biden, especially since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

“NATO has held strong in response to [Russian President Vladimir] Putin’s war in Ukraine and rising challenges around the world,” Kaine said in a statement. He added the legislation “reaffirms U.S. support for this crucial alliance that is foundational for our national security. It also sends a strong message to authoritarians around the world that the free world remains united.”

Rubio said the measure served as a critical tool for congressional oversight.

“We must ensure we are protecting our national interests and protecting the security of our democratic allies,” he said in a statement.

Biden has invested deeply in the NATO alliance during his term, committing more troops and military resources to Europe as a show of force against Putin’s war. He has also overseen the expansion of the alliance with the inclusion of Finland and ongoing efforts to secure Sweden’s full accession.

Newsmax added:

Trump’s comments on NATO, his advocates say, have brought member states to fulfill their spending contributions. However, his critics say his strong words on the alliance are weakening its unity and fear he will either weaken the United States’ commitment to the NATO mutual defense pact or pull the United States out altogether if he is elected president.

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