WASHINGTON – Amid NATO’s 75th Annual Summit, Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus Co-Chairs Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) introduced a resolution reaffirming congressional support for the longstanding alliance between the United States and the Baltics.
“The Baltic nations of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have served as beacons of freedom for over a century. These countries kept the flame of liberty alive during 50 years of Soviet occupation and now stand united as global leaders defending against near-constant foreign aggression,” Grassley said. “As Co-Chair of the Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus, I can proudly say the friendship between the United States and the Baltics is one of our nation’s strongest. I look forward to our continued partnership.”
“Not only do I have strong personal ties to the region, but the Baltic countries are essential NATO partners in upholding democratic values abroad,” said Durbin. “Our resolution reaffirms our partnerships with the Baltics and security programs to enhance their capabilities as critical allies on NATO’s eastern flank. I remain steadfast in my support for the Baltic States as they work to combat Russian aggression, offer safe haven to Russian and Belarusian opposition voices, and withstand Chinese economic pressure.”
The resolution includes support for the Baltic Security Initiative, a program which deepens security cooperation between the United States and the Republics of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Grassley and Durbin last year introduced bipartisan and bicameral legislation to effectively codify the Baltic Security Initiative. Grassley also secured a provision in the FY23 NDAA to improve reporting on the Baltic Security Initiative.
Grassley and Durbin are joined by Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).
Read the full resolution HERE.
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