Senate set to vote to ratify adding Sweden, Finland to NATO

By LISA MASCARO and ELLEN KNICKMEYER
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate is set to ratify NATO membership for Finland and Sweden with strong bipartisan support in response to Russia’s war with Ukraine. Wednesday’s vote is a crucial step toward expanding the Western military alliance. President Joe Biden has sought quick entry for the two previously non-militarily aligned northern European countries. Senators have invited the ambassadors of Finland and Sweden to the chamber for Wednesday’s debate and vote. All 30 members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization must agree to the accession of new members. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, who visited Kyiv and the region earlier this year, has urged a unanimous show of approval.