A bipartisan, bicameral bill offered by U.S. Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) aims to deter Russia from extending its war on Ukraine into NATO territory, bolster America’s partnerships with the Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, and improve the capabilities of the Baltic countries as critical allies on NATO’s eastern flank.
“The tragic events of the last month have taught us once again that freedom must be defended from tyranny. We are now watching in real-time the incalculable human cost when deterrence fails,” said Rep. Bacon. “The geography and history of the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have made them a tempting target for Putin’s aggression since the end of the Cold War.”
Rep. Bacon on March 30 cosponsored the Baltic Defense and Deterrence Act, H.R. 7290, alongside bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), co-chairs of the House Baltic Caucus. U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) on March 29 introduced the identical bill, S. 3950, in their chamber.
If enacted, the bill would codify establishment of the Baltic Security Initiative, which Reps. Bacon and Gallego secured in the fiscal year 2022 federal spending package to deepen security cooperation with the Baltic countries.
Additionally, the measure would create a complementary initiative at the U.S. State Department known as the Baltic Security and Economic Enhancement Initiative, which would work to increase security and economic ties with the Baltic countries, according to the congressional record bill summary.
“This legislation builds on the foundation of enhanced security in the Baltics that Congress has worked to establish over the last several years,” Rep. Bacon said. “Freedom must be preserved, and the Baltic Defense and Deterrence Act demonstrates America’s commitment to our most vulnerable allies.”
Rep. Gallego said that it is more important than ever to shore up a strong level of support for the nation’s Baltic allies in Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia.
“The $180 million secured for the Baltic Security Initiative in this year’s omnibus spending bill is a tangible example of U.S. support,” he said, adding that “the Baltic Defense and Deterrence Act is a meaningful next step demonstrating our continued and steadfast commitment to our Baltic allies.”