U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) on Aug. 31 led a bipartisan congressional delegation, known as a CODEL, to meet with America’s allies and partners in Finland, Sweden, and the Netherlands.
“As America’s adversaries grow increasingly emboldened, now is the time to bolster relationships with our friends…,” said Rep. McCaul, chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee. “Together, we can harness the transatlantic alliance to safeguard our shared interests and ensure unprovoked aggression does not go unanswered anywhere in the world.”
While on their trip in northern Europe, the CODEL will work to strengthen ties with America’s strategic allies and discuss support for the NATO alliance, according to information provided by Rep. McCaul’s staff.
Additionally, CODEL members and allies will discuss efforts to hold Russian President Vladimir Putin’s regime accountable for its war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as shared threats from the Chinese Communist Party, the information says.
“Vladimir Putin thought his full-scale invasion of Ukraine would divide NATO, but instead, the alliance has grown stronger and more united,” Rep. McCaul said. “I look forward to officially welcoming our newest NATO ally, Finland, and reaffirming the U.S. Congress’ full support for Sweden’s accession as soon as possible.”
The CODEL includes U.S. Reps. Ann Wagner (R-MO), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Thomas Kean, Jr. (R-NJ), Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Madeleine Dean (D-PA), and Dan Meuser (R-PA).