WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement in recognition of the 75th Anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

“Since its creation, NATO has protected and underwritten an international community bound together by the common values of democracy, individual liberty, human rights, and the rule of law. Allied commitment to the collective defense is and will remain the guarantor of those values.

“The recent accessions of Sweden and Finland to the alliance further underscore the enduring strength of the most successful alliance in history. The growth of the alliance sends a strong message of deterrence as the U.S. and allies face a dark and violent Russia, and threats from leaders and countries around the world should the alliance waver. The inherent strength and the longstanding bonds of the alliance are proof to those who seek to do us harm that they are more isolated and less likely to succeed in their objectives than ever.

“I join allies and partners around the world in celebrating this milestone anniversary and look forward to continuing to work together toward our allied and global effort to protect the rules-based international order and ensure that we – democracies, transatlantic allies, and free peoples – survive and thrive.” 

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