The NATO Edge Act would largely block the United States from withdrawing from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization unless a set of strict conditions are met. Specifically, it would amend the relevant defense authorization provision to require that all remaining NATO members have explicitly committed to spending at least 2 percent of their GDP on defense within five years, before the U.S. could suspend, terminate, denounce, or withdraw from NATO. It would also require Senate advice-and-consent (or a full Act of Congress) with a high-level vote (two-thirds of Senators present) for any withdrawal, and would bar funding to pursue withdrawal unless those spending commitments are in place. The bill also creates new legal and oversight mechanisms—allowing Senate or House legal counsels to initiate or join court challenges to withdrawal and to report to key committees—and includes a sunset provision ending the amendments in 2033, at which point the original NDAA 2024 language would be restored. The text frames these provisions as reinforcing NATO unity, deterrence, and support for Ukraine.
Key Points
- 1Prohibition on withdrawal unless NATO spending commitments are met: The President may seek to suspend or withdraw from NATO only if all remaining NATO members have explicitly committed to spending 2 percent of their GDP on defense within five years, as defined by NATO standards.
- 2Requirement of Senate consent or Congressional authorization: No funds may be used to support withdrawal without the advice and consent of the Senate (two-thirds of Senators present) or an Act of Congress, and only while the 2 percent commitment condition is satisfied.
- 3New legal tools to block withdrawal: The Senate Legal Counsel or House General Counsel may initiate or join federal court actions to oppose withdrawal in a manner that is consistent with the bill, allowing judicial review of withdrawal efforts.
- 4Oversight and reporting: Legal counselors must promptly report to relevant House and Senate committees about any court cases or actions related to withdrawal pursued under this act.
- 5Sunset: The amendments expire on September 30, 2033, at which point the NDAA 2024 provisions would be restored as if the amendments had not been enacted.