HJRES-89 : Still Just a Bill

This document is a joint resolution (H.J. Res. 89) introduced in the House of Representatives on September 14, 2023, concerning the United States' involvement in the North Atlantic Treaty.

Here is a summary of the resolution:

• Restriction on Presidential Power: It states that the President cannot suspend, terminate, denounce, or withdraw the U.S. from the North Atlantic Treaty without either:
  • The advice and consent of the Senate, with a two-thirds majority.
  • An Act of Congress.
• Limitation on Funds: It prohibits the use of any authorized or appropriated funds to support any decision by a U.S. government official to suspend, terminate, denounce, or withdraw from the treaty unless both the Senate and House pass a joint resolution approving the withdrawal with a two-thirds majority, or through an Act of Congress.
• Notification Requirements: The President must consult with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee before taking any action to suspend, terminate, denounce, or withdraw from the treaty. The President must also notify these committees in writing at least 180 days before taking such action.
• Legal Representation for Congress: It authorizes the Senate Legal Counsel or the General Counsel to the House of Representatives to initiate or intervene in legal proceedings to oppose any action to withdraw the U.S. from the North Atlantic Treaty in a manner inconsistent with this resolution.
• Reporting Requirement: Any legal counsel acting under this resolution must report to the relevant committees on any judicial proceedings initiated or intervened in.
• Rule of Construction: The resolution does not imply that the President has the authority to withdraw from any treaty without Senate consent or an Act of Congress.
• Severability: If any part of the resolution is found unconstitutional, the rest of the resolution remains in effect.
• Definitions: It defines the terms "withdrawal," "denunciation," "suspension," and "termination" according to the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties.