The House Armed Services Committee approved a bipartisan amendment limiting President Trump’s ability to withdraw troops from Germany, calling Russia too big of a threat to reduce the U.S. military presence in Europe.
The Wednesday vote was in response to Trump’s announcement in June that he planned to downsize troops in Germany from 34,000 soldiers to 25,000 while shifting some into Poland. The proposed amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act would restrict funding to reduce the number of troops in Germany and Europe at large until certifications are made, according to the Hill. The amendment was approved by a 49-7 vote.
“At this time, we can’t afford to reduce our presence in Europe,” said Rep. Ruben Gallego, a Democrat who introduced the amendment with Republican Rep. Don Bacon. “Russia is a major threat to our country and to the free world.”
The amendment would also require Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley to certify separately that reducing the number of troops in Germany is in the nation’s best interests and would not undermine the security of the United States or its allies. They would additionally have to certify that NATO allies and other EU partners have been consulted about the decision.
Trump approved a Pentagon plan to fulfill his order on Monday, but the Pentagon hasn’t revealed where it plans to send troops or when they might be leaving. The president has alluded that some will go to Poland, while others will return to the U.S.
