Shaheen-Johnson Measure to Expand NATO Approved by Senate Foreign Relations Committee

(Washington, DC) — Legislation to expand the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), led by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), the ranking member and chairman of the Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation, was approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee today. The resolution offers congressional support for the growth of the defensive alliance, reiterates the U.S. commitment to NATO and provides the president with the conditions necessary for the U.S. to formally approve Montenegro’s accession to NATO. 

“NATO remains indispensable to global security, and the United States must continue to build and strengthen the alliance,” said Senator Shaheen. “Approving Montenegro’s accession will send the clear message that Congress will not bow to Russian threats and intimidation. The United States must always stand on the side of freedom, security and democracy, and I urge the Senate to pass this treaty before Congress adjourns.”

“I commend my colleagues on the Foreign Relations Committee for joining me in supporting Montenegro’s bid to join NATO and for reaffirming the United States’ commitment to our partners in Europe,” said Senator Johnson. “Strengthening and expanding NATO is critical at a time when terrorism and Russian aggression continue to threaten our European allies.  I hope that this important resolution will pass the Senate before the end of this Congress.”