Congress is stepping up to ensure America doesn’t abandon its allies in Europe and South Korea by curbing the Pentagon’s ability to slash troop numbers, as Fox News reports.
Through the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), finalized by House and Senate negotiators, lawmakers have locked in protections for current U.S. force levels abroad while addressing critical defense priorities like support for Ukraine and NATO leadership.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Army pulled a rotating brigade from Romania back home, sparking jitters among European allies about a broader retreat from NATO’s eastern edge.
Under the NDAA, the Pentagon can’t dip below 76,000 troops in Europe without proving to Congress that such a cut won’t jeopardize U.S. or NATO security interests.
Reports had floated the idea of scaling back forces in Europe, but U.S. officials now insist there are no immediate plans for major reductions—good news for those of us who believe America must stand firm against threats on the continent.
Still, during a recent meeting with European leaders, U.S. national security officials warned that Europe needs to shoulder more of NATO’s defense burden by 2027—a polite nudge or a prelude to tougher talks?
Across the Pacific, the NDAA also ties the Pentagon’s hands on South Korea, mandating at least 28,500 troops remain unless they can justify to Congress that deterrence against North Korea won’t suffer.
Consultation with allies and a detailed national security rationale are required for any drawdown—because apparently, some in Washington need reminding that Kim Jong Un isn’t exactly a pen pal waiting for peace talks.
Joint exercises, like the river-crossing drill earlier this year between South Korean and U.S. soldiers in Gyeonggi province, show why this presence matters; it’s not just numbers, it’s readiness.
The legislation cements the U.S. role as Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), NATO’s top military post, into law, despite earlier whispers of relinquishing it.
While keeping SACEUR, the U.S. plans to hand over some other senior NATO posts to European nations—a fair compromise or a slow step back from leadership? Let’s hope it’s the former.
“We’ve been very clear in the need for Europeans to lead in the conventional defense of Europe,” said Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson, signaling a push for allies to step up.
Well, Mr. Wilson, clarity is great, but actions speak louder—Europe leading doesn’t mean America retreating, especially when the NDAA also authorizes $400 million in security aid for Ukraine next year, plus another $400 million over two years through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.
War Secretary Pete Hegseth, speaking at the Reagan National Defense Forum, added, “Model allies that step up, like Israel, South Korea, Poland, increasingly Germany, the Baltics and others, will receive our special favor.” That’s a welcome pat on the back for nations pulling their weight, though one wonders if the carrot comes with a stick for the slackers.
