No Invading Allies Act would bar the use of U.S. military funds to invade or seize territory from Canada, Panama, or Greenland (the self-governing territory of Greenland) unless Congress either declares war, provides specific statutory authorization, or a national emergency is created by an attack or imminent threat to the United States or its forces. The bill defines when funds may be used during a national emergency (a 60-day window from the date hostilities begin) and clarifies that nothing in the act alters constitutional authorities or existing treaty provisions. It also narrows and clarifies the meaning of “introduction of United States Armed Forces” to include various forms of involvement with foreign military forces. Overall, the measure is designed to constrain presidential war-making authority for specific, limited territories and to reinforce a rules-based international order and alliance commitments.
Key Points
- 1Prohibits spending to invade or seize Canada, Panama, or Greenland unless there is a declaration of war, explicit congressional authorization, or a national emergency caused by attack or imminent threat.
- 2If a national emergency justifies introduction of U.S. forces into hostilities, such funding is limited to a 60-day period from the date hostilities begin.
- 3Defines “introduction of United States Armed Forces” to cover assignments, command, coordination, participation in movement, or accompaniment of foreign military forces when those forces are engaged or imminently at risk of engagement.
- 4Contains a rule of construction that preserves existing constitutional authorities and treaties, and excludes activities approved under the National Security Act reporting provisions from being affected.
- 5Places the bill under the banner of protecting a rules-based international order, honoring alliances, and opposing territorial aggression.