WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Thom Tillis and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), co-chairs of the Senate NATO Observer Group, announced that they’ll lead a bipartisan congressional delegation to the 2023 NATO Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania next week. Joining Tillis and Shaheen will be Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK).  

“We’re proud to lead this bipartisan group of Senators to send a resounding message to the international community that the United States – across party lines – stands firmly with the Alliance as we confront our shared global security challenges,” said Tillis and Shaheen. “In response to Putin’s further invasion of Ukraine and his barbaric campaign of violence against a sovereign nation and civilian populations, NATO responded with historic unity and strength. To stand by our partners and defend democracy worldwide – from Putin or any adversary who threatens our rules-based order – the Alliance must continue to work in lock-step. We look forward to conveying that message and reaffirming the United States’ commitment to that promise at the 2023 NATO Summit in Vilnius.” 

Tillis and Shaheen lead bipartisan efforts?in the Senate in support of the transatlantic Alliance, and?specifically around Finland and Sweden's accession into NATO. Earlier this month, Tillis and Shaheen co-led a resolution with Senators Durbin and Grassley underscoring the top priorities for the U.S. Senate ahead of the Vilnius Summit, including countering China, responding to Putin's aggression in the Black Sea region and ensuring Sweden's formal accession. Tillis and Shaheen led the U.S. delegation to the NATO Summit in Madrid?last year, and previously?traveled together to the NATO Summit in Brussels?in 2018. 

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