Rep. Panetta Introduces Bill to Safeguard U.S. Commitment to NATO
Washington, DC – Today, United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) authored and introduced the bipartisan NATO Edge Act that would reaffirm the United States’ ironclad commitment to NATO and prevents any administration from unilaterally withdrawing from the alliance. Rep. Panetta introduced this bill with Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02). The United States has long stood for freedom, democracy, and the defense of our allies against aggression. That commitment is being tested as Ukraine continues its fight for sovereignty against Russia’s brutal and unprovoked invasion. Recent developments in Washington and across the Atlantic have reinforced why our leadership on the global stage is more important than ever. Supporting Ukraine is not just about standing with an ally, it’s about defending the principles that keep us safe and secure.
“The security of the United States is dependent upon our alliances, including our commitment to NATO, the most successful alliance in human history,” said Rep. Panetta. “The NATO Edge Act would reaffirm our leadership and obligation to the NATO alliance. The legislation also reminds us that being a member of NATO is not like being member of a country club by reinforcing the responsibilities of all NATO members. This bill would ensure that Congress lives up to its Constitutional role in our nation’s foreign policy and our national security cannot be performed in isolation at home and abroad.”
“America’s alliances are a source of strength and security for our country, and among our defense treaties, NATO stands alone as the most successful military alliance in history. We must make clear to our allies and adversaries alike that the American people are absolutely committed to staying in NATO,” said Rep. Bacon. “From first-hand experience as a career military officer and former base commander in Europe, I can confidently state that our participation in the NATO alliance remains critical to U.S. military operations today. I'm pleased to join my colleagues in introducing the bipartisan NATO Edge Act to reaffirm our commitment to NATO and prevent any administration from unilaterally withdrawing from this crucial alliance.”
The NATO Edge Act builds on Rep. Panetta’s previous bipartisan legislation to prevent any administration from withdrawing from NATO by requiring consent from the Senate and upholding the requirement that NATO Members spend 2% of their GDP on defense. Doing so encourages our European allies to take lead on securing their region, increases investments in our responses to Russian aggression, and still offers a realistic timeline for the remaining Members to invest in their defense. If a President decides to withdraw without Congressional consent, the legislation would allow Congress as a whole to claim Constitutional injury and bring this case directly to the courts, effectively reaffirming Congress’ role in shaping foreign policy.
In the FY20 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Congressman Panetta passed a modified version of the NATO Support Act to prevent the use of funds by the President to withdraw the U.S. from NATO. That provision expired the following year. In the FY25 NDAA, Rep. Panetta worked with the Senate, including then Senator Marco Rubio, to pass this provision again with an additional section that required the President to have the consent of the Senate. That provision remains law and has no expiration.
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