Bacon’s bipartisan resolution recognizes 100 years of diplomacy with Baltic States

U.S. Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) recently sponsored a bipartisan resolution that would recognize 100 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

“Freedom is fragile and must be defended,” said Rep. Bacon. “The Baltic States today are an inspiring example of courage and democracy.”

House Resolution 1142 is cosponsored by U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), who along with Rep. Bacon co-chairs the House Baltic Caucus. The legislation also recognizes the courage and resilience of the people of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in their fight for freedom and democracy in the face of persistent coercion, intimidation, and aggressive behavior by the Russian Federation, according to the text of the resolution.

“The return of war to the European continent earlier this year reminds us of the long and brutal occupation of the Baltic States by the Soviet Union,” Rep. Bacon said. “We must stand with our allies to never again allow dictators to redraw borders and usurp freedom.”

If enacted, the resolution also would state that the U.S. House of Representatives stands in solidarity with the Baltic States against all forms of economic, diplomatic, or military coercion by the Russian Federation, the Republic of Belarus, the People’s Republic of China, and other authoritarian governments, the text of the bill says.

Additionally, the resolution would commit to providing continued support for the Baltic States through economic and security cooperation, including through the Baltic Security Initiative, and further strengthening transatlantic ties and regional security through the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

“As we celebrate a century of diplomatic relations with our Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian allies, we stand in solidarity with their commitment to democracy and peace,” said Rep. Gallego. “There can be no stable, secure, and prosperous Europe without the Baltic nations and I remain committed to ensuring another 100 years of successful relations.”