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Most Republican senators who voted against Ukraine aid will back NATO expansion

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Several Republican senators told CNN Thursday that despite their votes against a $40 billion military aid package for Ukraine, they do intend to vote to admit Finland and Sweden into NATO when and if that question comes before the Senate.
But some indicated they have not decided whether to approve the expansion the alliance and one conservative, Josh Hawley of Missouri, said he’s “undecided” and concerned the US is too involved in security issues in Europe and should be focused on the Asia Pacific.
“I’m undecided”, Hawley said. “I want to make sure it will not increase America’s security commitments in Europe. Certainly I want to make sure there is no need for more forces. My view is that we need to be, on the whole, doing less in Europe and looking towards the Asia Pacific in terms of our foreign policy challenges.”
When asked how to defend against the sudden and ongoing aggression from Russia against Ukraine, Hawley said: “The Europeans need to be doing more”, adding he wants to increase the amount of money other NATO countries contribute to the organization.
“It’s something I would look at I haven’t made a decision”, said Sen. Mike Lee, a Republican from Utah. “It’s a significant thing. Obviously, I want to consider the proposal.”
And Sen. Rand Paul, a Republican from Kentucky, who delayed a final vote on the Ukraine funding for more that week, wouldn’t say what he will do on the question about Finland and Sweden.

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