Springfield Standard

Senators Eric Schmitt and Brian Schatz (D-HI) have spearheaded a bipartisan effort to urge Secretary of State Antony Blinken to extend NATO Article 5 protections to Hawaii. The letter highlights that Hawaii remains the only U.S. state not fully protected under NATO's collective defense clause.

"The United States is the largest contributor to NATO and with this alliance, we have a steadfast promise to our allies – a promise that is reciprocated to all U.S. States except Hawaii," stated Senator Schmitt. "As a United States Senator, I have an obligation to protect Americans, and protecting Hawaii under NATO is part of that promise. I am proud to work across the aisle with Senator Schatz and my colleagues to ensure the state of Hawaii is fully protected under Article 5 of NATO."

The letter was also signed by Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Todd Young (R-IN), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Tim Scott (R-SC), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), and Chris Murphy (D-CT).

Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty provides for collective self-defense in the event of an attack on any NATO member state. However, Article 6 specifies that this agreement applies only to island territories of member nations located in the North Atlantic and north of the Tropic of Cancer, which excludes Hawaii as it lies south of this line.

Given increasing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, proponents argue that extending Article 5 protections to Hawaii would deter adversaries and enhance security for American citizens residing there. They assert that Hawaiians deserve equal protection compared to other states, especially considering its strategic military significance.

The full text of the letter can be accessed online.