Hawkeye Reporter

WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), co-chair of the Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus, joined Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) to introduce a bipartisan resolution reaffirming U.S. security priorities ahead of the 2023 NATO Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania. Allies will meet on July 11th and 12th to consider next steps to advance the 2022 NATO Strategic Concept, which aims to strengthen and unify NATO, bolster deterrence on the Eastern Flank and respond to emerging security challenges in the Indo-Pacific. 

“For decades, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization has enhanced stability and security for democratic nations on both sides of the Atlantic,” Grassley said. “The 2023 NATO Summit is a special opportunity for the United States to join with our allies and recommit to preserving freedom and independence in Europe at this crucial time. It is significant that this historic summit is being held in Vilnius since the Baltic States kept the flame of liberty alive during 50 years of Soviet occupation and are now leaders in Europe in defending our shared principles.”

“For more than 70 years, NATO has played a critical role in maintaining and promoting transatlantic security, and the bonds shared by allies are stronger than ever before. The summit in Vilnius will offer another opportunity for our allies and partners to reaffirm our commitments to our shared priorities to defend the transatlantic Alliance and the future of democracies around the globe from existential threats, no matter the origin. I am proud to lead this bipartisan resolution in the Senate outlining the Senate’s top priorities ahead of the 2023 NATO Summit, which include countering China’s increasingly aggressive behavior, resisting Russian influence in the Black Sea region and reaffirming that no matter the threat, the transatlantic Alliance stands in support of the democratic, rules-based world order. As Putin’s war in Ukraine rages on, this resolution serves as a reminder to our allies and partners that there is bipartisan support in the U.S. Senate to work with NATO to promote our shared interests,” Shaheen said.

“Created in the aftermath of World War II, NATO has been critical in maintaining security in Europe, including for many newer members finally free from Soviet tyranny. With Ukraine continuing to face brutal and unwarranted attacks by Russia, this year’s NATO Summit is more important than ever,” Durbin said. “I’m joining my colleagues in introducing this resolution to express my hope for a productive 2023 NATO Summit in Lithuania — which is set to showcase the leadership of the Baltic States in the alliance.”

“The NATO Alliance is a vital partnership for the United States, and as we face continued aggression from Russia in Ukraine, provocation from China, and other rising threats, it is more important than ever that we work to bolster and strengthen the Alliance,” Tillis said. “As co-chair of the Senate NATO Observer Group, I am proud to work with Senator Shaheen and my colleagues on this resolution to show the U.S. Senate’s continued support for our allies and I look forward to reaffirming that commitment at the 2023 NATO Summit next month.”

The full text of the resolution can be found HERE.

Original source can be found here.