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Democrats and Republicans in the US Congress have overcome political rivalries and are trying to block current US President Donald Trump’s plans to significantly reduce the presence of US troops stationed in Germany.
According to plans announced by the Trump administration, of the approximately 36,000 troops currently deployed in Germany, some 6,400 would be repatriated to the United States and another 5,600 would be relocated to other NATO countries. Donald Trump had announced the move as “punishment” for Germany’s overly modest military spending policies.
US lawmakers announced the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act on Thursday and, if passed, it would halt, at least temporarily, the planned withdrawal of US troops from Germany by Donald Trump. At the same time, the law would make it difficult for some US troops to withdraw from Afghanistan and South Korea.
Under the bill, the defense secretary must submit to Congress an impact assessment on the reduction of US troops in Germany, and for four months from the presentation of this analysis, the withdrawal of US troops remains blocked, writes CNN.
A similar provision is stipulated in law for the 28,500 US soldiers in South Korea, halting any reduction in the number for three months after the Pentagon chief guarantees that certain conditions are met for it. With respect to Afghanistan, the administration must provide a comprehensive analysis, based on estimates from intelligence agencies, of the risks and impact of downsizing in Afghanistan.
The bill illustrates a bipartisan disapproval of foreign policy followed by the Republican president, who ends his term on January 20.
The Department of Defense has not yet responded to a request from CNN for comment on this request from Congress.
The Pentagon currently has interim leadership, after President Trump ousted Defense Secretary Mark Esper immediately after the November 3 presidential election.
Germany, through the voice of its Chancellor, Heiko Maas, welcomed the steps of the US Congress on Friday. “We are pleased that there appears to be an agreement between Democrats and Republicans in Washington to review this decision,” said the German diplomat, noting that Berlin has not been officially announced by the reduction of US troops in Germany. However, he assured that American soldiers are still welcome in Germany. “Their presence not only contributes to the security of Germany, but also strengthens the security of the whole of Europe,” Maas said according to Reuters.
Editor: Luana Pavaluca
