REMARKS: Gallego Speaks at Helsinki Commission Hearing
Helsinki Commission Hearing “Game-Changer” focuses on the pressure Baltic allies face from Russia
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), a Helsinki Commissioner and co-chair of the House Baltic Caucus, today delivered remarks at the Helsinki Commission’s hearing entitled “Game-Changer: The Baltics Under Pressure.” Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery.
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"Thank you, Ranking Member Wicker and let me add my welcome to our three witnesses for joining us today. Your presence speaks volumes at this critical time in European security and I want to applaud the Helsinki Commission for holding this hearing focused on the challenges facing the Baltic states.
"I am particularly glad the Helsinki Commission is holding this hearing because it is my privilege to serve as co-chair of the House Baltic Caucus. Alongside my fellow co-chair, Congressman Don Bacon, we seek to strengthen the defense relationship between the United States and the Baltic countries – on a bilateral basis and through NATO. We share the passion that the Baltic people have for democracy and freedom, and strongly believe that the security of the Baltic states is as crucial now as it has ever been.
"Like all of you, I am horrified and deeply disturbed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing war that it is launching against civilians, targeting maternity hospitals and schools. Russia has amassed a large-scale military build-up, deploying aircraft, air defense assets, and land forces, including in Belarus, and launched a ruthless disinformation campaign that spreads propaganda and lies. Russia’s premeditated war in Ukraine has unilaterally and radically changed European security by violating the territorial integrity of a sovereign state and threatening peace and stability beyond Ukraine’s borders.
"I have one message for the Russian Federation: we stand with Ukraine. We stand with our Baltic and NATO allies. And our commitment to Article 5 is ironclad. This is the resounding message I hear from my colleagues in Congress – across the House and across the Senate. Democrat or Republican, our support for NATO is bipartisan and bicameral.
"But it’s not just words that matter. It’s also actions. That is why one of my proudest moments in Congress was securing a first-ever authorization for the Baltic Security Initiative. It bolsters the defense capabilities of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in areas including air defense, maritime situational awareness, ammunition, C4ISR, and anti-tank capabilities. The Baltic Caucus was also able to secure $180 million for this initiative in last week’s omnibus spending package. If we draw any lessons from the ongoing war in Ukraine it is that we need to ensure our allies and partners are too prickly for any adversary or competitor to swallow. And we will continue to stand with our Baltic allies in an increasingly dangerous neighborhood.
"I also want to take the opportunity to thank you and your governments – in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania – for your steadfast support to Ukraine, providing aid and weapons, and for your longstanding commitment to European security. Your three nations are three of the most crucial allies in NATO – true exemplars – and I personally value your contributions to the Alliance and well beyond.
"Ranking Member Wicker, thank you again for the opportunity to provide opening remarks. And thank you to our witnesses for taking the time to join us during this crucial time. I look forward to continuing to work together to counter Russian aggression, safeguard the Baltic region, and further strengthen European security."