US Senate Votes to Support Finland, Sweden Joining NATO
The U.S. Senate on Aug. 3 voted with overwhelming bipartisan support to approve Finland and Sweden’s accession to NATO, expanding the Western military bloc in a response to the Russia–Ukraine war.
The Senate voted 95–1 to support ratification of the two countries’ accession documents. The ratification had required approval by two-thirds of the chamber.
President Joe Biden had sought quick entry for the two countries, sending the protocols for ratification to the Senate for review on July 11.
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) voted against the move. Meanwhile, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) voted present, meaning he did not support or oppose the ratification.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) invited the ambassadors of Finland and Sweden to the Senate gallery to witness the vote.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) poses for a photo with an official delegation from Finland and Sweden in his office at the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington on Aug. 3, 2022. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
“This is important substantively and is a signal to Russia. They cannot intimidate America or Europe,” he said on the Senate floor.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said that both Finland and Sweden already participate in NATO and U.S.-led missions.
“Finland already meets NATO’s spending target, and Sweden is making significant investments in modernizing its military,” he said. “Even with the capabilities these militaries already have, they will bring meaningful, interoperable military capabilities into the alliance on day one, and improve burden sharing across the alliance. There’s also no question that their entry is specifically in our interest. These are long standing defense partners of the United States.”
He added: “Even closer cooperation with these partners will help us counter Russia and China. Their accession will make note of stronger and America more secure.”
Hawley, who opposed the ratification and had previously announced
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