Senator Murray Statement on Voting in Support of Sweden and Finland Joining NATO

Statement

Today,U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) voted for a resolution approving Sweden and Finland's applications to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The measure is a critical step in the process of Sweden and Finland joining NATO, strengthening both Europe and the United States' security interests and serving as a bulwark against continued Russian aggression in Europe. All 30 current members of NATO are expected to vote to allow Sweden and Finland to join. Following her vote, Senator Murray issued the following statement:

"Putin's brutal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has underscored just how critical strong alliances like NATO are. So much of our strength and security comes from our unity and I am glad that the Senate has overwhelmingly voted to allow Sweden and Finland -- two countries that share our values and goals -- to join NATO. This measure will help keep America and our allies safe--and deter any further aggression by Russia in the region. As long as dictators like Putin threaten our friends and neighbors--free and peaceful democracies--it's important that Congress sends the message loud and clear: the United States will always defend freedom and oppose tyranny."

Senator Murray has been steadfast in her support for Ukraine and committed to holding Putin accountable for his unprovoked war of aggression and heinous war crimes. In April, Senator Murray helped impose sweeping sanctions on Russia and revoke Russia's normal trade relations following its invasion of Ukraine. In March and May, she voted for bills that sent Ukraine economic, military, and humanitarian assistance to help fend off the invasion from Russia.

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