The U.S. Secretaries of State and Defense would be required to submit a report to Congress on the emerging threats posed to the Republics of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania by hostile actors under a bipartisan bill cosponsored on Sept. 23 by U.S. Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE).
“The Baltic nations have witnessed firsthand the reality of Soviet oppression and today stand as beacons of democracy in the face of increasing threats from Russia and its allies,” said Rep. Bacon, co-chair of the House Baltic Caucus. “This bipartisan legislation will improve our understanding of emerging military, cyber, and hybrid threats to the Baltic states through a comprehensive assessment, while reaffirming America’s unwavering support for these vital NATO partners.”
The congressman led 34 other original cosponsors in introducing the Baltic Security Assessment Act of 2025, H.R. 5543, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell (D-MO) to ensure the United States maintains a clear, comprehensive understanding of the threats facing Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania from countries such as Russia, China, Iran, Belarus, and North Korea.
If enacted, H.R. 5543 would task the secretaries with providing a detailed report to Congress within 180 days assessing emerging military, cyber, hybrid, and political threats to the Baltic nations.
The report also would identify opportunities to strengthen U.S.–Baltic defense cooperation, reinforce the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO’s) collective defense posture, bolster cybersecurity infrastructure, and enhance democratic resilience in the region, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
“Putin’s unprovoked war on Ukraine is a stark reminder that our Baltic allies are on the frontlines of the fight for freedom and democracy,” Rep. Bell said. “This bipartisan bill reinforces NATO’s collective defense and ensures we stand united against those who seek to undermine freedom.”
Among the cosponsors of H.R. 5543 are U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Jennifer Kiggans (R-VA), Blake Moore (R-UT), Mike Turner (R-OH), and Ann Wagner (R-MO).