US Senate Votes in Favor of Finland, Sweden Joining NATO

A view of the flags of Finland, NATO and Sweden during a ceremony to mark Sweden's and Finland's application for membership in Brussels, Belgium, on May 18, 2022. Johanna Geron/Pool/Reuters

The U.S. Senate on Aug. 3 overwhelmingly approved Finland and Sweden’s candidacy to NATO, expanding the Western military bloc in a response to the Russia–Ukraine war.

The Senate voted 95–1 to support ratification of the two countries’ accession documents. The ratification required approval by at least two-thirds of the chamber.