U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Thom Tillis (R-NC), together with Representative Sara Jacobs (D-CA), met with Finnish President Alexander Stubb during the 2026 Munich Security Conference in Germany.
During the meeting, Senator Shaheen expressed appreciation for Finland’s role in NATO, especially regarding security in the Baltic Sea and Arctic regions. The group discussed ongoing security challenges in Europe, Russia’s continued actions against Ukraine, hybrid warfare activities, and the need to maintain pressure on the Kremlin. Senator Shaheen also noted shared interests between the U.S. and Finland in enhancing Arctic security and resilience, thanking Finland for its cooperation.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee plays a significant part in shaping U.S. foreign policy by reviewing treaties and legislation related to international affairs. It has influenced key decisions such as supporting the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan after World War II and was established as one of the original standing committees of the Senate in 1816. The committee’s leadership includes a Chairman for majority members and a Ranking Member for minority members.
For more information about the committee's history and responsibilities, visit its official website or learn about its membership structure on their membership page.
"Ranking Member Shaheen reaffirmed the deep and growing U.S.-Finland alliance and thanked President Stubb for Finland’s leadership within NATO, particularly in the Baltic Sea and in the Arctic. The delegation discussed the evolving security environment in Europe, Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine and hybrid warfare activities as well as the importance of sustaining pressure on the Kremlin. She also highlighted shared U.S.-Finnish interest in strengthening Arctic security and resilience and thanked Finland for its partnership in that effort."
