NATO bids of Sweden, Finland to get US nod

WASHINGTON, D.C.: The United States Senate is set to ratify North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) membership for Finland and Sweden, a crucial step toward swiftly expanding the Western military alliance with a show of American support in response to Russia's war with Ukraine.

Senators have invited the ambassadors of the two countries to witness Wednesday's historic debate and vote, which would open a new era for the alliance. US President Joe Biden has sought quick entry for the two previously nonmilitarily aligned northern European allies, and approval of the ratification resolution has vast bipartisan support in Congress.