The budget draft prepared by the US Department of War in Congress prohibits reducing the number of American troops stationed in Europe below 76,000 for more than 45 days, according the publicized document, which will be voted on this week.

The bill stipulates that US military leadership shall not be allowed to reduce the number of troops under the United States European Command (USEUCOM) below 76,000 for more than 45 days until Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and the USEUCOM commander submit reports to Congress confirming that such actions are consistent with US national interests. In addition, they must consult in advance with NATO allies.

The document prohibits also the transfer of property rights to European countries or the return of US armed forces’ military bases and real estate, as well as the transfer of any property from Europe valued at more than $500,000.

Similar restrictions shall be imposed on the minimum number of US troops in South Korea, where this threshold is 28,500 personnel.