U.S. Senate Approves Finland and Sweden’s Efforts to Join NATO

On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate approved Sweden and Finland’s bids to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

The resolution was pushed through with a 95-1 vote, with Republican Sen. Josh Hawley (Mo.) being the only one dissenting it. Meanwhile. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) only voted “present.” To approve the two country’s efforts, two-thirds of the Senate need to vote in favor of it. Following the vote, the resolution will head to Pres. Joe Biden so that he can submit it to NATO.

Finland and Sweden’s efforts to join the organization come as the West has quickly united following Russia’s attempt to invade Ukraine. The two countries joining NATO is considered the organization's most prolific expansion since around 2004.

Last month, the organization’s officials formally approved Finland and Sweden’s efforts to join NATO. Currently, they are in the last stage of the organization to join, requiring all of its member nations’ legislatures to approve the aspirant members.

As per NATO’s official website, over 20 member countries have already accepted Sweden and Finland’s bid to join the organization. Following the United States’ approval, only just over half a dozen nations need to approve it.

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