Gallego, Bacon Introduce Legislation to Recognize Century of Diplomatic Relations with Baltic Allies
WASHINGTON D.C. – Following a recent trip to the region, Reps. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07) and Don Bacon (NE-02), Co-Chairs of the House Baltic Caucus, introduced H.Res. 1142 to commemorate the United States’ diplomatic recognition of the independence and sovereignty of the Baltic nations of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
A century ago, the United States made the momentous decision to formally recognize the independence of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania from Soviet Russia following the end of the First World War. The United States continued to recognize the independence of the Baltic states following their violent annexation by Russia during the Second World War and throughout more than five decades of brutal occupation by the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
“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 Gallego. “Last week, I saw firsthand a people who have withstood many challenges, including from Russian aggressors, and who stand facing the future united by strength, hope and love of country. There can be no stable, secure, and prosperous Europe without the Baltic nations and I remain committed to ensuring another hundred years of successful relations.”
“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,” said Bacon. “Freedom is fragile and must be defended. The Baltic states today are an inspiring example of courage and democracy. We must stand with our Allies to never again allow dictators to redraw borders and usurp freedom.”
The FY22 federal spending package provided $180 million for the Baltic Security Initiative which provides robust assistance to the Baltic States and encourages deeper cooperation to deter Russian aggression and protect U.S. and allied national security interests in Europe.
Reps. Gallego and Bacon led the charge securing a BSI authorization in the FY2022 NDAA, leading to the final $180 million included in this year’s federal spending bill.
The Baltic Security Initiative provides funds for assistance for air and missile defense; long range fires, maritime situational awareness; large caliber ammunition; Command, Control, Communications, Computers (C4) Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) (C4ISR); anti-tank capabilities; special operations forces; and other defensive capabilities.
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Rep. Ruben Gallego is a Marine Corps combat veteran who served in Iraq. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Natural Resources Committee, and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.