A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the relationship between certain obligations under the North Atlantic Treaty and constitutional declarations of war by Congress.

Senate Resolution

S.Res. 266

119th Congress

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the relationship between certain obligations under the North Atlantic Treaty and constitutional declarations of war by Congress.

In Committee

Introduced:Jun 5, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Lisa Murkowski

Senator

Republican

AK

Cosponsors

4

Quick Stats

Policy Area

International Affairs

Summary

This resolution addresses the relationship between the President's authority to commit U.S. forces under the North Atlantic Treaty and the constitutional requirement for Congress to declare war or authorize the use of military force. Specifically, the resolution expresses that the President cannot bypass Congress and unilaterally send U.S. troops into hostilities, even if it is to fulfill obligations under the NATO treaty.

Latest Action

Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S2237)

SponsorLisa Murkowski (R-AK)

Introduced6/5/2025

StatusReferred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S2237)

ChamberSenate

Data from Congress.gov

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Vote Prediction

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the relationship between certain obligations under the North Atlantic Treaty and constitutional declarations of war by Congress.

This resolution addresses the relationship between the President's authority to commit U.S. forces under the North Atlantic Treaty and the constitutional requirement for Congress to declare war or authorize the use of military force. Specifically, the resoluti

Community Breakdown

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This resolution addresses the relationship between the President's authority to commit U.S. forces under the North Atlantic Treaty and the constitutional requirement for Congress to declare war or authorize the use of military force. Specifically, the resolution expresses that the President cannot bypass Congress and unilaterally send U.S. troops into hostilities, even if it is to fulfill obligations under the NATO treaty.

Bill Number: 266
Sponsor: Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)
Introduced: 6/5/2025
Status: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S2237)
Policy Area: International Affairs

Data from Congress.gov

AI-generated summary

Fact Sheet

Title: A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the relationship between certain obligations under the North Atlantic Treaty and constitutional declarations of war by Congress.
Bill Number: 266
Sponsor: Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)
Status: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S2237)
Introduced: 6/5/2025
Summary: This resolution addresses the relationship between the President's authority to commit U.S. forces under the North Atlantic Treaty and the constitutional requirement for Congress to declare war or authorize the use of military force. Specifically, the resolution expresses that the President cannot b

Data from Congress.gov

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This resolution addresses the relationship between the President's authority to commit U.S. forces under the North Atlantic Treaty and the constitutional requirement for Congress to declare war or authorize the use of military force. Specifically, the resolution expresses that the President cannot bypass Congress and unilaterally send U.S. troops into hostilities, even if it is to fulfill obligations under the NATO treaty.

Last updated: 12/30/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

<p>This resolution addresses constitutional concerns related to Article V of the North Atlantic Treaty, which provides for collective action by NATO members when a member is attacked.</p> <p>Specifically, the resolution expresses that, even if the President determines it is necessary to engage U.S. forces in hostilities in order to meet U.S. obligations under Article V, such action does not supersede the constitutional requirement that Congress declare war or authorize the use of military force prior to the United States engaging in hostilities.</p>

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

The resolution affirms that the President cannot send U.S. troops into hostilities without Congress declaring war or authorizing the use of force, even if it is to meet obligations under the NATO treaty.
It expresses the sense of the Senate that the President's authority under Article V of the NATO treaty does not override the constitutional requirement for Congress to declare war.
The resolution aims to reinforce the separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches when it comes to matters of war and peace.

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

If this resolution becomes law, it would limit the President's ability to unilaterally commit U.S. military forces to combat operations, even if those operations are in response to an attack on a NATO ally. This would preserve the constitutional role of Congress in decisions about war. It could affect the speed and flexibility of the U.S. response to certain military threats against NATO members.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

International Affairs

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

266, 119th Congress (2025). "A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the relationship between certain obligations under the North Atlantic Treaty and constitutional declarations of war by Congress.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-sres-266