Sens. Chuck Grassley and Dick Durbin introduced the Baltic Security Assessment Act on March 18, requiring the Departments of State and Defense to report to Congress on emerging threats facing Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
The legislation aims to strengthen diplomatic relations and security cooperation between the United States and the Baltic states. The act calls for a comprehensive assessment of current deterrence measures in the region and seeks ways to enhance defense collaboration.
“The United States, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are all united by the principles of democracy and the free market. For decades, these Baltic nations have contributed to the region’s security and stability, and it’s critical for America to stand with them against Putin’s ongoing aggression. This bipartisan legislation will strengthen our ties with the Baltics by ensuring the United States carefully assesses the evolving threats they face and identifies ways to bolster deterrence against Russia’s continued attempts to encroach on NATO territory,” Grassley said.
The bill is cosponsored by several senators from both parties, including Ruben Gallego, John Boozman, Michael Bennet, Susan Collins, Richard Blumenthal, Tammy Baldwin, Peter Welch, Chris Van Hollen, Jacky Rosen, John Fetterman, Amy Klobuchar, Jeff Merkley, and Cory Booker.
If enacted, the act would require a detailed report outlining military, cyber, hybrid, and political threats posed by actors such as Russia, Belarus, China, and Iran. It also mandates an evaluation of current U.S. and NATO deterrence postures in the region as well as opportunities for enhanced bilateral or multilateral defense cooperation through initiatives like the Durbin-Grassley Baltic Security Initiative.
The introduction of this legislation reflects ongoing concerns about regional stability in Eastern Europe amid heightened tensions with Russia.
