WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Co-Chairs of the Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus, introduced the Baltic Security Initiative Act to enhance and strengthen U.S. security cooperation with the Baltics amid Putin’s aggressive action in the region. The bipartisan legislation would effectively codify the Baltic Security Initiative effort.

“The United States and the Baltic nations share a unified commitment to democratic principles and the free market. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have bolstered the region’s security and stability for decades, and it’s critical for us to stand with our allies in the face of Russian aggression. Our bipartisan bill will strengthen America’s cooperation with the Baltics and ensure the region has the resources they need to deter Putin from encroaching upon NATO territory,” Grassley said.

“Not only do I have strong personal ties to the region, but the Baltic countries are essential NATO partners in upholding democratic values and transatlantic security. Our bill deters Russia from extending Putin’s war into NATO territory, strengthens our partnerships with the Baltics, and enhances their capabilities as critical allies on NATO’s eastern flank. Considering the new Administration’s foreign policy views, we must remain steadfast in the need to strengthen the NATO alliance and in our support for the Baltic States as they work to combat increasing Russian aggression around the region,” Durbin said.

Additional cosponsors include Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Alex Padilla (D-Calf.), Angus King (I-Vt.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.).

Background:

The Baltic Security Initiative Act directs the Defense Secretary to establish a “Baltic Security Initiative” focused on deterring Russian aggression, strengthening the NATO alliance and enhancing regional planning and cooperation.

In January, Grassley met with Baltic foreign ministers to discuss the U.S.-Baltic partnership, and he has spoken on the Senate floor to recognize the anniversaries of Lithuanian independence and Estonian independence. Last Congress, Grassley and Durbin introduced a resolution recognizing the importance of the U.S.-Baltic alliance, and Grassley submitted remarks for the record in 2022 to celebrate the centennial of diplomatic relations with the Baltics.

Bill text can be found HERE.

    

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