Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), co-chairs of the Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus, have introduced the Baltic Defense and Deterrence Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation seeks to codify the Baltic Security Initiative effort and create a complementary initiative at the U.S. Department of State. Jointly, these two efforts will enhance and strengthen U.S. security and economic cooperation with the Baltics amid Russia’s continued aggression toward the Baltics and heightened tensions with China.
“The three Baltic countries have been model NATO allies, contributing above two percent of GDP on defense, fighting alongside American soldiers in various missions and providing invaluable expertise in cyber defense, strategic communications and energy security. The Baltics have been warning about the nature of the Putin regime for years and were among the first to provide critical lethal military aid to Ukraine. It is past time to close strategic gaps in NATO’s most exposed flank. Ukraine’s experience shows that Vladimir Putin does not respond to warnings or signals, so deterrence requires a robust defensive military capability in place,” Grassley said.
“Not only do I have strong personal ties to the region, but the Baltic countries are essential NATO partners in upholding democratic values abroad,” said Durbin. “Our bill deters Russia from extending Putin’s war into NATO territory, strengthens our partnerships with the Baltics, and enhances their capabilities as critical allies on NATO’s eastern flank. I remain steadfast in my support for the Baltic States as they work to combat Russian aggression as well as Chinese economic pressure.”
More than four million Ukrainians have fled their country since February 24. The Senate unanimously passed a resolution cosponsored by Grassley condemning Russian President Vladimir Putin as a war criminal. In early February – before Putin attacked Ukraine – Grassley and Durbin met with the Lithuanian Delegation to discuss Russian aggression and the impact it would have on the region. Grassley has since led a number of additional efforts to support Ukraine and hold Putin accountable for this unprovoked war.
When Grassley was named co-chair of the Baltic Caucus in 2018, he warned then that "the current regime in Russia is continuing the Soviet legacy of rewriting history to fit its agenda."
Along with Grassley and Durbin, the legislation is cosponsored by Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Angus King (I-Maine), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.). Reps. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) and Don Bacon (R-Neb.) introduced the legislation in the House.
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