# What This Bill Does

This bill would remove Pakistan's special status as a "major non-NATO ally" of the United States. To understand what that means: the U.S. designates certain countries as major non-NATO allies to give them special benefits and closer military cooperation, even though they're not formal NATO members. Pakistan has held this status since 2004, which has given it advantages like easier access to American military equipment, technology, and training. This bill would immediately end that designation once it becomes law.

The bill's main concern is Pakistan's relationship with the Haqqani Network, a militant group that the U.S. considers a terrorist organization. The bill's sponsors believe Pakistan hasn't done enough to stop this group from using Pakistani territory as a base to launch attacks, particularly in Afghanistan. By removing Pakistan's ally status, the bill aims to pressure Pakistan to take stronger action against the Haqqani Network. However, the bill does include a path back: the President could restore Pakistan's status if he certifies to Congress that Pakistan is actively fighting the Haqqani Network, preventing them from using Pakistani safe havens, coordinating with Afghanistan to stop militant movement across their border, and successfully arresting and prosecuting Haqqani leaders.

For everyday Americans, this could affect military and foreign aid relationships, though the practical impact depends on how the administration responds. For Pakistan, losing this designation would mean losing access to certain military benefits and potentially facing reduced cooperation with the U.S. military. The bill essentially uses Pakistan's ally status as leverage to demand stronger action against militant groups, though whether this approach would actually change Pakistan's behavior remains uncertain.

To terminate the designation of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan as a major non-NATO ally, and for other purposes.

Biggs, Andy

<p>This bill removes Pakistan's designation as a major non-NATO ally, a status that allows for various benefits such as access to excess U.S. defense supplies and participation in cooperative defense research and development projects.</p><p>The President may not redesignate Pakistan as a major non-NATO ally without certifying that the country has taken various actions against the Haqqani Network, including continuing to conduct military actions against the Taliban-affiliated group and prosecuting its leaders.</p>