[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 130 (Wednesday, August 3, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S3875]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                  NATO

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, now on an entirely different matter 
today, the Senate will approve ratification protocols to welcome 
Finland and Sweden as the two newest members of NATO.

  I appreciate Leader Schumer working with me to ensure the Senate 
takes this vote before the August recess. And for the reasons I have 
explained for months now, the vote this afternoon will be as decisive--
as decisive--as it is bipartisan.
  There is just no question that admitting these robust democratic 
countries, with modern economies and capable, interoperable militaries, 
will only strengthen the most successful military alive in human 
history.
  Both countries already participate in NATO and American-led missions. 
Finland already meets NATO's 2 percent spending target, and Sweden is 
making significant investments in modernizing its military.
  Even with the capabilities these militaries already have, they will 
bring meaningful, interoperable military capabilities into the alliance 
on day 1 and improve burden-sharing across the alliance.
  There is also no question that their entry is specifically in our 
interest. These are longstanding defense partners of the United States. 
The Finns have been flying F-18s and buying sophisticated American 
munitions since the 1990s. The Swedish defense industry cooperates 
closely with ours and incorporates American components into modern 
systems like their fighter aircraft.
  Even closer cooperation with these partners will help us counter 
Russia and China. Their accession will make NATO stronger and America 
more secure.
  If any Senator is looking for a defensible excuse to vote no, I wish 
them good luck. This is a slam dunk for national security that deserves 
unanimous bipartisan support.

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