The U.S. President, Donald Trump, is facing bipartisan resistance over a renewed suggestion that the United States could withdraw from the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.
In a joint statement released on Wednesday, Chris Coons, and Mitch McConnell stressed that American security is strengthened by a robust NATO alliance.
“The Senate will continue to support the alliance for the peace and protection it provides America, Europe, and the world,” the lawmakers said.
Their remarks underscore rare bipartisan agreement in Washington, as members of both the Democratic and Republican parties push back against Mr Trump’s comments.
The president recently raised the possibility of a U.S. exit from NATO, citing dissatisfaction with allies’ positions, including their stance on the war in Iran.
Under U.S. law, a withdrawal from NATO would require a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate, meaning Mr Trump cannot unilaterally pull the country out of the alliance.
Messrs Coons and McConnell also highlighted NATO’s historical role, noting that the alliance had formally invoked collective defence only once since its founding in 1949, following the September 11 attacks.
They emphasised the sacrifices made by allied forces in conflicts alongside the US.
“NATO troops fought and died in Afghanistan and Iraq alongside American forces,” the statement said, warning against taking such commitments lightly.
Mr Trump’s recent remarks have drawn concern among lawmakers who view NATO as a cornerstone of global security and transatlantic cooperation.
(dpa/NAN)
