Senators Seek Review of Qatar’s Major Non-NATO Ally Status

Republican Sens. Ted Budd of North Carolina, Joni Ernst of Iowa and Rick Scott of Florida introduced a bill April 9 that would require the State Department to review and consider terminating Qatar’s status as a major non-NATO ally.

Qatar continues to host Hamas leaders six months after the terrorist group attacked Israel, calling into question whether it should keep its ally status, the lawmakers said.

A foreign country designated as a major non-NATO ally can receive certain benefits in defense trade and security cooperation.