The brutality of Russia war against Ukraine, including indiscriminate attacks on civilians and the kidnapping of Ukrainian children, reminds us every day what is at stake in Europe. This is the time to bolster the security of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. These three NATO members are on the border of an aggressive Russia that has not renounced territorial ambitions towards its neighbors.
To address these security needs, yesterday US Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus Co-Chairs Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced the Baltic Security Initiative Act in the US Senate (S. 1465). House Baltic Caucus Co-Chairs Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE) and Congressman Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) introduced companion legislation in the House last week (H.R. 2922) .
This bicameral and bipartisan legislation will provide $350 million a year in security assistance in each of the Fiscal Years 2024, 2025, and 2026 to provide targeted assistance to protect NATO’s eastern flank based on needs identified by the Pentagon, NATO and the Baltic States. This funding will allow the Baltic states to further supplement their defensive capabilities including upgraded air, land and sea defenses, special forces training and communications and reconnaissance capabilities. This timeline is vital to complete defense upgrades before Russia can reset following its invasion of Ukraine.
This Act would codify the existing Baltic Security Initiative that has been funded for the past three years by Congress on an annual basis. The authorization of the BSI for three years will allow the Pentagon to anticipate funding in future years and plan accordingly.
Today, BAFL sent letters to each member of the Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus and the House Baltic Caucus asking them to support this legislation and we will continue to reach out to Congress to get this legislation passed — strong bipartisan support in the days after legislation is introduced is of vital importance. Please click the Take Action Button below to send a a letter to your Member of Congress and Senators asking them to co-sponsor the Baltic Security Initiative Act.
The power of the grassroots in our country should not be underestimated. Members of Congress listen to their constituents whether they write a letter, make phone calls, request a meeting at the district office, or participate in local town halls and events. Each and every constituent can make a difference with their elected representative by reaching out personally to educate and inform them on the history of the Baltic States and the need to stand together in support of Ukraine, to support Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania’s security in the face of current security threats to their sovereignty by Russia, and to advance America’s national security interests in a peaceful and free Europe.
