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On Wednesday, the US Senate formally endorsed efforts by Sweden and Finland to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, blaming Russia in a war with Ukraine.
The resolution passed 95-1, with Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) as the only dissenting vote and Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) voting to “present.” The Senate needs a two-thirds majority to vote in favor of ratification, and it will now turn to President Biden for submission to NATO.
Sweden’s and Norway’s efforts to join NATO came as Western nations rapidly united earlier this year in the face of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Her two Scandinavian countries joining NATO (Russia and Finland, which shares her more than 800-mile border) will be her most significant NATO expansion since at least 2004.
NATO officials formally endorsed the two countries’ efforts to join the alliance last month. They are now in the final stages of the accession process to NATO, requiring the parliaments of all member states to approve the new additions.
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According to NATO’s website, more than 20 member states have already accepted Sweden and Finland’s membership in NATO. More than six countries remain after US approval.
Adding Sweden and Finald to NATO has broad bipartisan support in the U.S. Congress, which is eager to denounce Russia and that Russia’s President Vladimir Putin’s brutal war on Ukraine I’ve been working hard since it started. Congress has approved multiple military aid packages to Ukraine in recent months.
However, Hawley’s opposition irritated his fellow MPs, even in his own party.
“This afternoon’s vote is going to be decisive…it’s bipartisan,” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said on the floor Wednesday. “There is no doubt that recognizing these robust democracies with modern economies and capable, interoperable militaries will only strengthen the most successful military alliance in human history. ”
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In his remarks to the Senate, McConnell said, “If the Senator is looking for a valid excuse to vote against, I wish him luck.” It’s a national security slam dunk that deserves upholding.”
Hawley, meanwhile, argued in Wednesday’s op-ed that increased US defense obligations in Europe would undermine China’s efforts to slow down in Asia.
“Finland and Sweden want to join the Atlantic Alliance to deter further Russian aggression in Europe, which is perfectly understandable given their location and security needs. No foreign enemy is looming over Europe,” Hawley wrote.
“U.S. resources are not infinite. We already spend the majority of our $1 trillion a year on defense, and our manpower is already in short supply around the world,” he continued. “The United States must prioritize the defense resources we have for China’s efforts while there is still time. We must not risk the lives of more Americans in Europe while allowing the efforts of a growing force to grow unchecked.”
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McConnell disagreed with that characterization. He argued that Sweden and Finland joining NATO would “improve burden sharing across the alliance”.
“Closer cooperation with these partners will help us counter Russia and China,” McConnell added.
Fox News’ Kelly Laco contributed to this report.