The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds flyover NATO’s Norfolk headquarters during its 20th Anniversary celebration on June 7, 2023, in Norfolk, Va. (Tess Crowley, The Virginian-Pilot/TNS)
Congress’ consideration of the defense budget now includes a debate on whether the United States should be a member of NATO, which it helped found after World War II to protect Europe from Russian aggression.
The Senate and House will consider amendments on their own versions of the National Defense Authorization Act that could force the country’s withdrawal from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization or lock it in indefinitely, barring an act of Congress.
During his administration, former president Donald Trump reportedly discussed withdrawing from the organization. On Tuesday, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, an influential member of House leadership, introduced an amendment to the House bill that would direct the president to withdraw from the international military alliance. And on Wednesday, Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) reintroduced legislation to prohibit any U.S. president from withdrawing from NATO without Senate approval or an Act of Congress.
Norfolk is home to the only NATO headquarters on U.S. soil, and the outcome could have a significant effect on Hampton Roads. While NATO’s presence in Norfolk dates to 1952, the Allied Command Transformation was established June 19, 2003, following a restructuring in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. For the past two decades, the Norfolk-based alliance has led NATO’s development of new warfighting capabilities through scientific research, experimentation and technological development.
Kaine said there has been “some ambiguity” surrounding the country’s partnership with NATO, referencing a statement made by a cabinet secretary to President Donald Trump.
“Cabinet Secretary (Mark) Esper indicated that it was President Trump’s desire to exit NATO if he were to have a second term as president. It’s very important that we send a message to NATO allies and those who rely upon NATO support, that no matter how the 2024 presidential election comes out, no president of either party at any time can withdraw from NATO without congressional authorization,” Kaine said Wednesday.
But in outlining her reasoning for an amendment to the House’s version of the defense spending bill, Greene said NATO is “not a reliable partner whose defense spending should be paid for by American citizens.”
The House will consider Greene’s amendment, along with approximately 1,000 others, this week. Both of the Republican House members who represent parts of Hampton Roads, Rob Wittman and Jen Kiggans, indicated Wednesday that they support a continued partnership with NATO.
“Rep. Wittman has always been a strong supporter of NATO, which plays a vital role in promoting democratic values around the globe. This alliance is more relevant than ever as Europe unites to counter Russia’s senseless war of aggression in Ukraine. Virginia is proud to be NATO’s home in North America with its presence in Norfolk, and the United States is safer because of our role as a leader in NATO,” said Julianne Heberlein, communications director for Wittman.
“Congresswoman Kiggans is a staunch supporter of the NATO Alliance and its positive impact on global security. She will continue to be a loud voice for strong national security and a unified global defense in Congress,” said Reilly Richardson, press secretary for Kiggans.
In a statement to The Virginian-Pilot on Wednesday, Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) called Greene’s amendment “ludicrous” and “completely disconnect from reality.”
“NATO stands for democracy, peace, and strategic coordination with our closest allies around the globe – crucial work that actually happens in large part at the NATO Allied Command Transformation in Hampton Roads. Particularly now, amid heightened Russian aggression and an increasingly antagonistic China, we need to bring our allies closer, not push them away,” Warner said in an emailed statement.
Meanwhile, Kaine’s version of the amendment would require the president to seek the advice and consent of the Senate before suspending or withdrawing U.S. membership from NATO.
The amendment circulating the senate has received bipartisan support and was co-sponsored by Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida. Kaine’s bill was first introduced last year, passing the Senate Foreign Relations Committee with a 20 to 1 vote.
“But I could never maneuver it for action on the Senate floor. But because the vote was so bipartisan, I wanted to do it again this year as a way of sending a strong message that Congress is very much supportive of U.S. NATO leadership and the incredible work NATO has been doing, particularly in the war in Ukraine,” Kaine said.
The Senate will consider the amendment next week.
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