08.03.22

Finland, Sweden NATO Accession Deserves Unanimous Bipartisan Support

Today, the Senate will approve ratification protocols to welcome Finland and Sweden as the two newest members of NATO… There is just no question that admitting these robust democratic countries with modern economies and capable, interoperable militaries will only strengthen the most successful military alliance in human history… This is a slam dunk for national security that deserves unanimous bipartisan support.’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding NATO:

“Today, the Senate will approve ratification protocols to welcome Finland and Sweden as the two newest members of NATO.

“I appreciate Leader Schumer working with me to ensure the Senate takes this vote before the August recess.

“And for the reasons I’ve explained for months now, the vote this afternoon will be as decisive as it is bipartisan.

“There is just no question that admitting these robust democratic countries with modern economies and capable, interoperable militaries will only strengthen the most successful military alliance in human history. 

“Both countries already participate in NATO and American-led missions. Finland already meets NATO’s 2% spending target, and Sweden is making significant investments in modernizing its military.

“Even with the capabilities these militaries already have, they will bring real meaningful, interoperable military capabilities into the alliance on Day One and improve burden-sharing across the alliance.

“There is also no question that their entry is specifically in our American interest.  These are longstanding defense partners of the United States. The Finns have been flying F-18s and buying sophisticated American munitions since the 1990s. The Swedish defense industry cooperates closely with ours and incorporates American components into modern systems like their fighter aircraft.

“Even closer cooperation with these partners will help us counter Russia and China. Their accession will make NATO stronger and America more secure.

“If any Senator is looking for a defensible excuse to vote ‘no,’ I wish them good luck. This is a slam dunk for national security that deserves unanimous bipartisan support.”

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Related Issues: Russia, National Security, Senate Democrats, China