By Anne Smith
Given Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine and ongoing threats to NATO, BAFL has been razor focused on advocacy efforts supporting U.S. security assistance that will strengthen Baltic defense. Victory for Ukraine is indispensable to Baltic security. As we look to a new President and Congress in 2025, we must finish efforts to pass Baltic funding in fiscal year 2025, notably an increase in funding for the successful “Baltic Security Initiative” administered by the Pentagon that bolsters air, land, and sea defenses and interoperability with NATO. Our prospects for success improve greatly the more our grassroots contact their representatives in Congress. If you have not already done so, please complete our ongoing Call to Action.
Fiscal Year 2025 bills
With just over a month until funding for the US government expires, we urge Congress to pass the Fiscal Year 2025 Defense Appropriations bill including increased funding levels for the Baltic Security Initiative. Via letters, meetings and calls, we will continue to advocate for the highest appropriated amount to prevail in the legislative process. Funding in the House Defense appropriations bill is nearly $10 million above the $228 million appropriated last year.
We also urge passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2025 introduced by Senate Baltic Freedom Co-Chairs Senators Durbin and Senator Grassley. The first amendment would authorize the Baltic Security Initiative at $350 million, while the second would simplify transfers of U.S. defense articles among the three nations.
We also strongly support a bipartisan “resolution recognizing the importance of the alliance between the United States and the Baltic states and expressing support for that alliance, including the Baltic Security Initiative, amidst foreign aggression.” introduced by Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus Chairs, Senator Durbin and Senator Grassley (S. Res. 759). The resolution specifies ongoing Russian hybrid warfare against the Baltic countries, including disinformation, cyber-attacks, and disruption of civil air traffic and travel including on the Narva River between the Estonian-Russian border. It is a reminder of Russia’s verbal brandishing of tactical nuclear weapons, their continued sponsorship of terrorism throughout the world, and inciting insecurity at the borders of Lithuania and Poland.
Next year will bring change to Washington and require renewed outreach to a new Administration and a new Congress. BAFL will continue to work with the new Congressional leadership on a bipartisan basis, as well as the committees relevant to Baltic interests. First and foremost is support for Ukraine’s victory and integration into NATO. Failure to do so will lead to strengthening of Russia’s military that might be next
aimed to the Baltic countries. The new Congress will be sworn in January 2025 and we plan to reach out with education and updates on the special U.S. – Baltic relationship based on shared values.
We congratulate the members of the House Baltic Caucus and the Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus who have been re-elected this year, including House Baltic Caucus co-chair, Representative Don Bacon (R-NE). We congratulate House Baltic Caucus co-chair, Representative Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), who has been elected to the US Senate. The election will also affect the membership of the respective House and Senate caucuses, necessitating educational outreach to Congress. Please stay tuned for our next Call to Action in early 2025!
ANNE SMITH is BAFL’s advocacy advisor.
