I
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 10586
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
September 24, 2026
Mr. Panetta (for himself and Mr. Wilson of South Carolina) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
A BILL
To require the President to consult with Congress regarding withdrawal from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, to provide for procedures to terminate such withdrawal, and for other purposes.
Short title
This Act may be cited as the NATO Shield Act
.
Findings and purpose
Findings
Congress finds that:
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization constitutes a cornerstone of United States national security and collective defense.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization creates binding mutual defense obligations that directly affect the likelihood and scope of armed conflict involving the United States.
Withdrawal from such a treaty would substantially alter United States exposure to hostilities, deterrence posture, and global military commitments.
Under article I of the Constitution, Congress retains authority to declare war and to regulate and govern the Armed Forces.
The War Powers Resolution reflects Congress intent to ensure collective judgment in decisions that may lead to hostilities.
Purpose
The purpose of this Act is to clarify that withdrawal from a mutual defense treaty constitutes a decision with direct war powers implications requiring congressional participation.
Procedures regarding treaty withdrawal actions
Congressional notification for withdrawal action
Consultation requirement
The President shall consult with Congress not later than 72 hours after—
considering a withdrawal action;
determining that a withdrawal action is under consideration by any member of the Cabinet; or
beginning to make a plan to initiate a withdrawal action.
Reporting requirement
Not later than 48 hours after initiating a withdrawal action, the President shall submit to Congress a report, including—
a legal justification for the withdrawal action;
a strategic rationale for the withdrawal action; and
expected military and alliance effects of the withdrawal action.
Approval or termination by joint resolution
Authorization required after 30 days
A withdrawal action shall terminate on the date that is 30 days after the withdrawal action is initiated unless Congress enacts a joint resolution approving the withdrawal action.
Termination by joint resolution
Notwithstanding paragraph (1), during the 30-day period beginning on the date a withdrawal action is initiated, the President shall terminate the withdrawal action if Congress so directs by joint resolution.
Funding prohibition
No Federal funds may be used to implement or continue any withdrawal action terminated pursuant to paragraph (1) or paragraph (2).
Expedited congressional procedures
Referral of joint resolution
A joint resolution described in paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (b) shall be referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives or the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, as the case may be, and such committee shall report one such joint resolution, together with its recommendations, not later than twelve calendar days after the date the applicable withdrawal action is initiated, unless such House shall otherwise determine by the yeas and nays.
Vote on joint resolution
Any joint resolution so reported shall become the pending business of the House in question (in the case of the Senate the time for debate shall be equally divided between the proponents and the opponents), and shall be voted on within three calendar days thereafter, unless such House shall otherwise determine by yeas and nays.
Reported joint resolution
Such a joint resolution passed by one House shall be referred to the committee of the other House named in paragraph (1) and shall be reported out not later than fourteen calendar days after such referral. The joint resolution so reported shall become the pending business of the House in question and shall be voted on within three calendar days after it has been reported, unless such House shall otherwise determine by yeas and nays.
Conference on joint resolution
In the case of any disagreement between the two Houses of Congress with respect to a joint resolution passed by both Houses, conferees shall be promptly appointed and the committee of conference shall make and file a report with respect to such resolution or bill not later than four calendar days after such appointment. In the event the conferees are unable to agree within 48 hours of such appointment, they shall report back to their respective Houses in disagreement. Notwithstanding any rule in either House concerning the printing of conference reports in the Record or concerning any delay in the consideration of such reports, such report shall be acted on by both Houses not later than five days after such report.
Standing for relief
In general
In the case of any violation of this section, a Member of Congress may bring an action in the appropriate Federal district court for appropriate relief.
Expedited review
A court shall advance on the docket and consider an action under paragraph (1) on an expedited basis, and shall, to the extent practicable, make a disposition of such action not later than 30 days after such action is filed.
Withdrawal action defined
In this section, the term withdrawal action means any formal or informal step to suspend or terminate the membership of the United States in or withdraw the United States from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, including transmitting a notification of withdrawal or intent to withdraw from such Organization to a foreign country that is a member of such Organization.