Senate ratifies Sweden, Finland bids to join NATO amid Russia’s war on Ukraine

The United States Senate Wednesday officially approved efforts by Sweden and Finland to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, in a rebuke to Russia amid its war on Ukraine. 

The resolution passed 95-1 with Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., as the only dissenting vote. The Senate needed two-thirds of the body to vote in favor of ratification, and it will now head to President Biden to submit to NATO.

Sweden’s and Norway’s effort to join NATO comes as the West quickly united earlier this year in the face of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The two Scandinavian countries joining NATO – with Finland sharing more than 800 miles of border with Russia – will be the most significant expansion of NATO since at least 2004. 

NATO officials formally approved the two nations’ efforts to join the alliance last month. They are currently in the final stage of the process of joining NATO, which requires legislatures in all of its member nations to approve of the new additions. 

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According to NATO’s website, more than 20 member countries have already approved Sweden and Finland joining NATO. After the United States’ approval, just over a half dozen countries remain. 

Adding Sweden and Finald to NATO has broad bipartisan support in the U.S. Congress, which has been eager to rebuke Russia and since the beginning of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s brutal war on Ukraine. Congress approved multiple military aid packages to Ukraine in recent months. 

But Hawley’s opposition has irked his fellow lawmakers, even in his own party. 

Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., voted against allowing Sweden and Finland to join NATO Wednesday.
(Nikolas Lanum/Fox News)

“The vote this afternoon will be as decisive… as it is bipartisan,” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said Wednesday on the floor. “There’s 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.” 

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“If any senator is looking…