# Plain Language Summary: NATO Withdrawal Bill

This bill would require the President to get approval from the Senate before the United States can withdraw from NATO (the North Atlantic Treaty Organization). Right now, the President has significant power to make this decision largely on their own. This bill changes that by saying any decision to suspend, terminate, or withdraw from the NATO treaty would need either Senate approval or a new act of Congress to go forward.

The bill also allows people to take legal action in court if they believe the President is trying to withdraw from NATO without getting the required approval. This means citizens or groups could potentially sue to stop or challenge a withdrawal attempt, and courts would have the power to decide whether the President followed the proper legal process.

In practical terms, this is about checking presidential power on a major foreign policy decision. NATO is the military alliance that binds the United States to 31 other countries, including Canada and most of Europe. It's been the foundation of American security policy for over 70 years. This bill essentially says that leaving NATO is such a big deal that it can't be done by presidential decision alone—Congress has to have a say. The bill reflects concerns that a President might try to withdraw from NATO without going through the normal constitutional process, and it tries to prevent that by requiring Senate involvement and allowing courts to enforce the requirement.

A joint resolution requiring the advice and consent of the Senate or an Act of Congress to suspend, terminate, or withdraw the United States from the North Atlantic Treaty and authorizing related litigation, and for other purposes.

Kaine, Tim

This joint resolution requires either the advice and consent of the Senate or an act of Congress before the President may suspend, denounce, or withdraw the United States from the North Atlantic Treaty. No funds may be used to support any decisions to suspend, denounce, or withdraw the United States from the treaty unless (1) both the House and the Senate pass a joint resolution approving withdrawal by a two-thirds vote, or (2) the funds are used pursuant to an act of Congress. The President shall notify Congress in writing of any deliberation or decision to suspend, denounce, or withdraw from the treaty at least 180 days before taking such action. The President must also consult with Congress before providing such written notification. Upon adoption of a resolution by the appropriate chamber, the joint resolution also allows the Senate Legal Counsel and the General Counsel of the House of Representatives to represent Congress in judicial proceedings related to actions that are inconsistent with this resolution.