Senate rejects measure to limit NATO’s war-making power.
The Senate Rejects Amendment to National Defense Authorization Act
The Senate on Wednesday made a significant decision regarding the National Defense Authorization Act. An amendment that aimed to clarify the role of Article 5 in the NATO treaty was rejected. This amendment would have emphasized that Congress still holds the power to declare war, despite the provisions of Article 5.
Article 5 of the NATO treaty states that an attack on any member of the alliance is considered an attack on the entire alliance. It is a crucial part of the collective defense commitment.
Sen. Rand Paul Introduces the Measure
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced this measure at a critical time when discussions about NATO membership for Ukraine are taking place. Ukraine is currently engaged in a war with nuclear-armed Russia.
The final vote on this amendment resulted in 83 senators voting against it, while only 16 voted in favor.
President Biden’s Stance on Ukraine’s NATO Membership
President Joe Biden has expressed his opposition to Ukraine’s admission to NATO while the country is still at war with Russia. His concern is to avoid being drawn into the conflict under Article 5. However, the United States and other Western allies are actively strengthening Ukrainian defenses against the Russian invasion.
The amendment required a minimum of 60 votes to pass, but it received well over 60 votes against it.
Expanding NATO to Include Ukraine
Supporters of expanding NATO to include Ukraine believe that it would have deterred Russia from invading in the first place. On the other hand, opponents fear that Ukrainian NATO membership could escalate tensions and potentially lead to a “World War III,” as described by President Biden. They argue that enlarging the alliance near Russia’s borders may have been a motivating factor for the invasion.
Sen. Rand Paul’s amendment aimed to ensure that any war triggered by Article 5 would require congressional authorization.
A bipartisan group of senators rejected this proposal as they work towards reaching an agreement on the crucial NDAA legislation.
For more information, click here to read more in The Washington Examiner.
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