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Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement after Hungary ratified Sweden’s accession to NATO, marking Sweden’s official entry into the treaty following approval from all other NATO members.

“A strong NATO is essential to the United States’ national security interests and the peaceful future of Europe on the whole,” said Congressman Lawler. “Sweden is at the forefront of a number of critical military technologies, and having them as a NATO member will prove beneficial to the United States and our allies.”

“With Hungary’s ratification of Sweden’s accession, we are welcoming another capable democratic nation into NATO, strengthening the alliance and sending a clear message to agitators like Russia,” concluded Congressman Lawler. “And to Vladimir Putin, I say this - hands off of Europe, or face the consequences.”

New York's 17th Congressional District is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.