In reaction to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Finland and Sweden are seeking membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Two Republican members of Alabama’s congressional delegation, who also sit on the Armed Services Committee, are pushing for the two European countries to be accepted into NATO as soon as possible.
U.S. Reps. Mike Rogers (R-Saks) and Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) joined 187 colleagues in Congress in signing a bipartisan letter urging expedited membership of Finland and Sweden into NATO.
?@RepMikeRogersAL, @RepMcCaul, @RepMikeTurner, & colleagues are urging for the expedited approval of Finland and Sweden’s application to join NATO. pic.twitter.com/KmuQ8rCmaz
— Armed Services GOP (@HASCRepublicans) May 20, 2022
The letter, dated May 19, was sent to Homeland Security Secretary Antony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, and the two ranking members of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) and James E. Risch (R-Ind.).
“We urge the Administration and United States Senate to work together and with our NATO Allies to advance immediately the accession protocols authorizing NATO membership for Finland and Sweden,” says the members of Congress in the letter.
The letter argues that the two countries have already worked with NATO in the past and have proven to be great allies in the region.
“Both nations are members of NATO’s Partnership for Peace and are Enhanced Opportunity Partners,” the letter states. “Finland and Sweden have well-trained armed forces, sophisticated modern weapon systems, and have committed to allocating two percent of GDP to defense spending. They have participated in numerous NATO led operations, including in Afghanistan and the Balkans, and regularly conduct exercises with NATO.”
The members of Congress say that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine means there should be no delay in accepting the countries into the alliance.
“The Russian Federation’s unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine, an independent, peaceful, and democratic country, demonstrates the need for effective deterrence,” the letter continues. “Additionally, an increasingly aggressive posture from Russia toward both countries make expedited action by the Administration and consent to ratification of the accession protocols by the Senate an imperative.”
They conclude that an alliance with Finland and Sweden is essential for national security.
“We appreciate your attention to this important matter and urge you to advance the NATO
accession of Finland and Sweden as expeditiously as possible. “Their membership would strengthen NATO deterrence of Russia and U.S. national security,” the members conclude.
Finland and Sweden have submitted applications to join NATO. I signed onto @RepMikeTurner‘s letter supporting their decision and encourage expedience in this process. pic.twitter.com/sq1C36sxN3
— Mo Brooks (@RepMoBrooks) May 19, 2022
Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” Weekdays 9-11am on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee
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