On the recordAugust 2, 2022
now, I am about to lock in an agreement that will allow the Senate to pass the resolution of ratification for the Finnish and Swedish applications to join NATO. Our NATO alliance is the bedrock that has guaranteed democracy in the Western World since World War II. This strengthens NATO even further and is particularly needed in the light of recent Russian aggression. When Leader McConnell and I met with the Finnish President and Swedish Prime Minister in May, we committed to do this as fast as we could and certainly before we go home for the August recess. With the help of Chair Menendez, Ranking Member Risch, Senator Shaheen, and Senator Tillis, we were able to get to this point. I appreciate their hard work and bipartisan work. I know Leader McConnell does too. For the awareness of my colleagues, I invited the Ambassadors from Finland and Sweden to join us in the Gallery during our debate and votes tomorrow. ____________________
