Chris Van Hollen: “Russia's brutal and unprovoked war of choice against Ukraine has now reached its 5th month. But while Vladimir Putin had…”

“Russia's brutal and unprovoked war of choice against Ukraine has now reached its 5th month. But while Vladimir Putin had hoped his war would divide the Atlantic alliance, it has in fact brought us closer together. Today, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is stronger than ever, so strong in fact that new states are being brought into the fold. I am proud to vote today in favor of approving Finland and Sweden's entry into NATO. Their membership at this moment is critical to countering Putin's threats to global security--and especially to nearby, vulnerable nations. As I have already stated publicly with the bipartisan members of the Senate NATO Observer Group, Finland and Sweden are longstanding security and economic partners who already share the collective values that guide our alliance, and I welcome the addition of these two highly capable countries--and the people of Finland and Sweden--to NATO. Their decision to join NATO further reveals how Putin has made a huge strategic blunder, further strengthening the bonds among democratic nations determined to resist his authoritarian reach. Ahead of this vote on adding Finland and Sweden to NATO, I would like to address Senator Paul's amendment regarding article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty and the Constitution. Let's be perfectly clear: There is no question that the protocols of any treaty do not--and cannot-- supersede the provisions of the U.S. Constitution. That premise has governed U.S.…”