Griffith defends decision to vote against Finland-Sweden NATO resolution | Latest headlines
Local 9th District Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) was among 18 Republican members of the House of Representatives who voted against a resolution supporting Finland’s and Sweden’s efforts to join NATO following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Others in the camp with 18 dissidents include Bob Good and Ben Cline from Virginia and representatives Andy Biggs (Ariz.), Lauren Boebert (Colo.), Madison Cawthorn (NC), Marjorie Taylor Greene (Ga.) And Matt Gaetz (Fla.) voted no to the resolution which adopted the House on a two-part basis 394-18. Two Democrats and 17 Republican members of the House did not vote on the measure.
In a written statement, Griffith stated that he did not believe the House had the power to consider the matter, saying the resolution was expedited.
“The Senate has the constitutional role of ratifying or rejecting NATO membership, but the House does not. In fact, the resolution goes beyond supporting Finland and Sweden in NATO by urging the other members of the alliance to support it as well. I believe that it goes far beyond the jurisdiction of the House, says Griffith. “Decisions about the future of NATO must be made carefully and with full regard to the facts. The discussion about what assets Finland and Sweden would add to the alliance has been insufficient. “
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Griffith further stated that he agreed with former President Trump’s statement that NATO allies should invest more in their defense systems before NATO assumes more responsibilities.
“I am not in itself against letting Finland and Sweden into the alliance, but given that significant issues still hang over NATO’s future and that this resolution was brought to the floor, I voted no,” Griffith said.
The support to support Sweden’s and Finland’s membership in the NATO alliance comes after rising tensions between the two nations and Russia following its invasion of Ukraine on 24 February.
Representative Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), voted in favor of the resolution.
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