WASHINGTON – On Thursday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined his colleagues in applauding committee passage of their bipartisan resolution in support of Finland’s and Sweden’s accession to NATO.
“I applaud the committee’s passage of this resolution expressing support for Finland and Sweden’s swift admittance into NATO. It is a critical moment to join together with friends and allies in the face of Russia’s unprovoked invasion and atrocities in Ukraine. I believe Finland and Sweden’s addition to NATO will strengthen our collective defense. I hope my colleagues in the senate move quickly to pass this resolution as the committee has done today,” said Sen. Johnson.
Sen. Johnson is joined on the resolution by Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Angus King (I-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Christopher Murphy (D-Conn.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), and Richard Shelby (R-Ala.).
This resolution:
· Welcomes and supports Finland’s and Sweden’s decision to join NATO;
· Acknowledges that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has dramatically changed the security situation in Europe, and the reform and expansion of NATO is key to ensuring a safe and prosperous future for the United States and critical allies and partners;
· Recognizes that Finland and Sweden have surpassed the qualifications expected of prospective members, and that both countries have much to contribute and gain from NATO membership;
· Reaffirms support for NATO’s collective security commitment and for maximizing our allies’ combined defense capabilities through NATO coordination and cooperation;
· Calls on the Biden Administration to move expeditiously to complete all documents and reports needed to support the Senate’s approval of the accession protocols; and
· Calls on all NATO members to move rapidly to complete their ratification process.
S.Res.646 was introduced on May 19, 2022.
The full text of the resolution as introduced can be found here.
