WASHINGTON — Legislation to expand the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), led by Senators Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), the chairman and ranking member of the Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation, was approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Tuesday.  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. 

Johnson said, “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. 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.”

“NATO remains indispensable to global security, and the United States must continue to build and strengthen the alliance,” said 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.”