Dear Members and Friends:

PLEASE CONTACT YOUR SENATORS TO REQUEST THEM TO COSPONSOR SENATE BILL S.J. RES. 4 TO PREVENT WITHDRAWAL OF THE UNITED STATES FROM NATO WITHOUT SENATE APPROVAL.

BACKGROUND:

NATO IS FACING ONE OF ITS MOST SERIOUS AND DIFFICULT CRISIS IN ITS 7O YEARS OF SUCCESSFUL AND VALUABLE EXISTENCE..

What we currently face is not a crisis of military strength or combat readiness, but rather, an assault by a number of important U.S. policy leaders who propose that NATO membership is not in the U.
S. strategic self interest, that it has no value to U.S defense and that it is obsolete.

The short response is that NATO ensures European security. European security helps to ensure American security. Therefore, anything which enhances or degrades NATO enhances and or degrades American security. U.S. involvement in NATO ensures that Europe stays secure, calm and prosperous,as will the U.S.

NATO’s mission is to safeguard the freedom and security of its members through political and military means. An essential component of NATO’s founding mission was to prevent expansion of the Soviet Union; today the threat seems to be the Russian Federation. An aggressive, revanchist Russia has demonstrated a willingness to expand its borders by military invasion, flaunting international law, and breaking agreements and treaties through intimidation and force.

NATO is the backbone of security and stability in Europe. Stability that has served the U. S. well. If the U.S. were to abandon NATO, the member states would be in a considerably weaker position that would invite Russia to harass and threaten them, which can escalate to full scale war. This is what occurred to Ukraine. By guaranteeing mutual defense, NATO makes an attack on any member a dangerous risk. Because of this, for the past 70 years no NATO member has been attacked or occupied by the Russian Federation or any other country.

The NATO alliance has enhanced our military capability, increased our intelligence collection, and created a bulwark against international terror. NATO bases in Europe provide significant benefits. A permanent presence in Europe assures that the U.S. can carry out its obligations timely and effectively. Also being nearer to global hot spots in the Middle East allows the U.S. more numerous options for responding to incidents in the region.

Our partners in Europe share common values with us: democracy, the rule of law, respect for the rights of the governed and a free market economy. Most have stayed with us since the end of World War II. They remain with us in NATO’s most important mission–the defense of free, independent and democratic countries in North America and Europe. NATO solidifies our relationship with the individual countries in the alliance. Since its creation in 1949, NATO has done more to promote democracy, peace and security than any other multilateral organization.

NATO has been the most successful military alliance in human history. It is an interdependency that has stood as a sturdy, strong and sound anchor for peace that has prevented new world wars, fostered Western prosperity and advanced democratic governance.

Those who try tot break up the alliance or diminish its importance should realize that we are giving Russia considerably more political, economic and military influence in Europe, inviting more Russian adventurism in Europe and other areas.

A little history on Russian aggression. Russia occupied Ukraine, they did the same to Georgia and Moldova and annexed Crimea. Russia sent submarines into Sweden’s rivers, threatened nuclear destruction of Norway, kidnapped an innocent Estonian, conducted a cyber attack against Estonia, murdered Putin’s opponents in London and continuously threaten the Baltic countries.

Not only does NATO remain relevant, but more importantly, it continues to support and advance U.S. security interests. Most fundamentally NATO provides a standing multilateral military capability that can deter or be deployed should a significant security threat arise. Because NATO has a military capability in place, the core elements for mobilization, deployment, and sustainment of substantial multilateral military forces already exist.

The ongoing training, exercises and regular communications among the national militaries of NATO members allows them to jump start preparations and actions when needed without lengthy preparatory work. While the U.S. has the right to act unilaterally, it makes sense to partner with others whenever possible.

NATO stands at the heart of our defense. Leaving NATO would be a unthinkable seismic step that would shake up a western alliance which has endured for more than 70 years. NATO allies have stood with the United States in joint operations in the Western Balkans, Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere around the world.

SOLUTION

The broad consensus of constitutional lawyers and experts is that the President has the unilateral authority to terminate a treaty without first getting consent from the Senate or the House. It takes a vote of two thirds of the Senate to adopt a treaty, but one person, the President, can terminate it. We are proud of our Constitution in that it places checks and balances on the three branches government–but the NATO treaty does not. Congress must act and close this loophole.

To avoid this eventual catastrophe, ten senators, five Republicans and 5 Democrats, have introduced a joint, bipartisan bill explicitly prohibiting the President from withdrawing the U.S. from NATO without Senate approval. It requires the advice and consent of the Senate or an act of congress to suspend, terminate, or withdraw the United States from NATO.

Last year, the House of Representatives passed a similar bipartisan resolution by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 357-22.

We strongly urge you to contact your senators to ask them to cosponsor this extremely important bill, S.J.Res.4. (Title: Joint Resolution requiring the advise and Consent of Senate or an Act of Congress to suspend, terminate, or withdraw the United States from the North Atlantic Treaty and authorizing related litigation, and for other purposes.) You’ll find the full text of the Bill on the Internet, click Congress.gov.

You can address your letter to your Senators at U.S. Senate, Washington, DC 20510.You do not need the office number. Senators local addresses can be found on the Internet by searching their name.

THANK YOU!

Valdis V. Pavlovskis
Executive Vice President

February 19, 2019

THE   UNITED   STATES  SENATE  CONGRATULATES    THE   PEOPLE    AND GOVERNMENTS  OF
ESTONIA,   LATVIA   AND   LITHUANIA ON  THE OCCASION OF THE
100TH  ANNIVERSARY  OF  THEIR   DECLARATION    OF INDEPENDENCE

SENATE  RESOLUTION  432 

Dear Friends,

This resolution was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI). In order to be adopted by the Senate, we need co-sponsors. Please contact both senators in your state and get them to sign on as co-sponsors of S.Res. 432.

The Resolution has a number of provisions regarding the Baltic nations. The most important of these is number six which reiterates “the continued support of Congress for the European Deterrence Initiative as a means for enhancing deterrence and increasing military capabilities of NATO eastern flank.” To read the text go to www.BAFL.com and look under ”News” or “Call to Action.*.

The Baltic nations are staunch and loyal allies of the United States. They are bonded to us by common values and interests—the love of freedom, democratic and stable governments, a conviction that every country has the right to be sovereign and independent, transparent militaries, the rule of law and strong respect for civil and human rights.

They have actively participated in a wide range of international structures. Combined and together, the Baltic nations have participated in 26 UN, OSCE and NATO missionss. Baltic soldiers are in Iraq and Afghanistan serving proudly shoulder to shoulder with our troops.

They have complied with the NATO recommendation to spend two percent of their GDP on national defense.

The Baltic nations deserve your Senators’ respect and support. Let him or her know that!

It would be great if we were able to get the Resolution adopted prior to the arrival of the three Baltic Presidents to the summit meeting in Washington with President Trump on April 3 and 4. It would show that Congress supports the Baltic nations, which is critical in these threatening times

To get this accomplished, we have to get going now! TODAY! We need you. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Valdis Pavlovskis
Executive Vice President

March 20, 2018

BALTIC AMERICAN FREEDOM LEAGUE
CALL TO ACTION

Dear Friends and Members of BAFL,

You have always responded to our calls to defend the freedom and sovereignty of the Baltic nations. You have made enormous contributions to our effort to assure United States support for the Baltic nations. I hope you will also follow through this time as well.

Please contact your Representative to urge him or her to join the
House of Representatives Baltic Caucus!

I can think of no better way to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the declaration of independence of the Baltic nations than to grow the Baltic Caucus to 100 members.

Make no mistake: Russia will continue to do all it can to weaken the freedom, sovereignty and independence of the Baltic countries. Friends and supporters in the U.S. Congress are critical.

The Purpose of Congressional Caucuses
Congressional Caucuses are formed to provide a forum for issues and legislative agendas. The Baltic Caucus is an important and practical channel through which the Baltic American community can inform the members of Congress of their concerns, request legislation and bring other matters relating to the Baltic nations to the attention of lawmakers. The advantage of a Caucus is that instead of going to each individual Representative in Congress, we can work with a group of Representatives who are interested supporters of the Baltic nations.

The more members a cause or organization has, the stronger their voice in Congress. Since its establishment the Baltic Caucus has introduced some twenty bills and resolutions directly affecting the Baltic nations and has actively endorsed, supported or opposed scores of Baltic related legislation introduced by other members of Congress.

Caucuses provide interest groups, such BAFL and the Baltic American community, a way to get their message out to bipartisan congressional members interested and committed to their issues.

The purpose of the Baltic Caucus was founded on one single irrefutable principle: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have a fundamental right be free, independent and sovereign.

Options and Opportunities Provided to the Baltic Community by the House Baltic Caucus:

• To work with members of Congress to propose and support or oppose issues and legislation of interest to the Baltic American community;
• To encourage and strengthen relations and cooperation of the Baltic nations with the United States in matters of trade, defense, cyberwar, terrorism and extremism;
• To inform members of the House of the threats and abusive actions directed to the Baltic nations by the Russian Federation;
• To provide an arena for cultural exchanges between the United States and the Baltic nations;
• To create opportunities for political dialogue among the legislators of the United States and the Baltic countries and to encourage exchange visits;
• To encourage business-friendly and pro-market policies, legislation and opportunities between the United States and the Baltic nations;
• To provide members of the House with greater grass roots access to the Baltic American community and the people of the Baltic nations.

Talking Points When in Inviting Congressperson to Join Baltic Caucus
The three Baltic nations are loyal, staunch and trustworthy allies of the United States. They are committed to contributing to the war on terrorism beyond NATO borders. Baltic troops are still in Iraq and Afghanistan serving shoulder to shoulder with American troops. Together the three Baltic countries have participated in 26 NATO and OSCE military missions in eleven countries.

The Baltic nations have showed the world that the love of freedom is stronger than the will of tyrannical imperialism. Countries can emerge from deadly tyranny and become thriving democracies.

The Baltic nations are bound to the United States by common values. Since regaining their independence, they have made huge progress in implementing strong, effective and stable democratic governments, the rule of law, respect for human and civil rights, free market economies and strong, transparent, civilian controlled militaries.

The Baltic nations have successfully integrated in the international community of democratic nations and are active members of NATO, the European Union, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the United Nations.

They have complied with NATO recommendation that member nations spend two percent of their GDP on national defense.

The credibility and commitment of NATO members to Article 5 is tied to United States and NATO member response to Russian aggression against the Baltic nations. If the American and NATO response is not nimble and strong, Article 5 will lose its credibility and NATO will be out of business as military alliance.

A large membership in the Caucus will resonate a clear message to President Putin that the Baltic people have friends in the Congress. It will also strengthen the credibility of the deterrence policy by NATO and the U.S.

The Baltic nations are experiencing threatening times. In Russia democratic freedoms are in rout, the economy is in trouble, corruption is widespread, ultra-nationalism is rampant and saber rattling by President Putin grows louder with each day. By joining the Baltic Caucus, the House sends a clear and strong message to President Putin that the United States stands with the Baltic nations.

To Join the Baltic Caucus
We have posted instructions and protocol for contacting congresspersons, as well as sample letters on our web site WWW.BAFL.COM. You can also find the current list of members of the Caucus there. I recommend that in your contact with a congressional member, the first thing you should state is that you are a constituent in the Congressional district. Chairpersons of organizations should state that they represent members of their organization.

You should also inform the Congressperson about who to contact if they want to join. The Caucus has two Co-Chairpersons. The Republican Co-Chair is John Shimkus (IL). His staff contact is Mr. Flavio CardonFlavio.a.caardon@mail.house.gov, Tel: (202) 225-5271, Fax: (202) 225-5880. The Democrat Co-Chair is Adam Schiff (CA). The Baltic Caucus staff person is Ms. Karen McBride Karen.mcbride@mail.house.gov, Tel: (202) 225-4271, Fax: ( 202) 225-5228.

IF YOU BELIEVE THAT THE BALTIC CAUCUS IS IMPORTANT FOR BALTIC
LEGISLATION AND ISSUES, THEN YOU SHOULD GET YOUR CONGRESSPERSON
TO JOIN THE BALTIC CAUCUS.

Thank you. I hope you will join our campaign to increase the number of friends and supporters in the House of Representatives.

Sincerely,
Valdis V, Pavlovskis
Executive Vice President

February 22, 2018

DDear Friend:

On July 26, 2017, we will mark the ninety-fifth anniversary of the de jure recognition of the three Baltic nations by the United States. Each of the Baltic countries were free, democratic and sovereign nations. They were full members of the League of Nations and had signed non-aggression treaties with the Soviet Union. Nevertheless, they were attacked and forcibly incorporated into the Soviet Union.

Today, they are once again free and sovereign nations, fully integrated into NATO, the European Union, the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe, the United Nations and other international organizations. Side by side with American soldiers, Balts serve in military missions in Afghanistan and Iraq. They are true and loyal friends of America, dedicated to democracy, the rule of law and human rights. They demonstrate to the world how countries can emerge from a half century of brutal oppression to become thriving democracies.
However, President Putin refuses accept the fact that the Baltic countries are no longer under his thumb. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania need support of the United States. Americans share the just aspirations of the Baltic people to stay free and independent. The United States upholds the right of every nation to be free and sovereign and it cannot remain silent in the face of continued Russian harassment and military threats to the Baltic nations.

The House of Representatives Baltic Caucus stands beside the Baltic nations. It works diligently to protect the freedom and democracy of the Baltic nations. But we need more members. The larger the Caucus, the more members the Caucus has, the greater the political influence on legislation and the government.

I urge you to commemorate the historically significant event of July 26 by contacting your congressperson to convince him or her to join the BALTIC CAUCUS. By joining the Baltic Caucus, your congress person will send a strong and clear message to Putin that America stands by the Baltic nations.

Your Representative will be home for the entire month of August. Contact him or her to meet with you. If you cannot meet with your Representative, write a letter and make phone calls. If you need guidance on how to contact your congresspersons, go to www.BAFL.com. Click Call to Action, then click Communicating with Congress. I am enclosing a sample letter to Representative Bass (D-CA). Your letter need not be as long as the sample letter. To join the Caucus your Representative should contact one of the Caucus Cochairmen, Representative John Shimkus (R-IL) or Adam Schiff (D-CA).

Thank you.
Valdis Pavlovskis, President