H. Con. Res. 116 and S. Con. Res. 34

Washington, DC (JBANC) Congressman John Shimkus (R-IL) has introduced House Concurrent Resolution 116 on April 26, recommending the integration of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The three Baltic countries, states the language, should be invited to join NATO in 2002.

H. Con. Res. 116 commends the Baltic countries’ “progress toward political and economic liberty and meeting the guidelines for prospective [NATO] members.” Baltic cooperation in the NATO-led multinational military force in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo is pointed out, along with the fact that all three countries are steadily increasing their defense budget allocations and are adapting to NATO standards. Furthermore, Baltic NATO membership would ensure “stability, freedom, and peace in the Baltic region and Europe as a whole”.

As of May 2, there are 11 co-sponsors for H. Con. Res. 116: Representatives Robert A. Borski (D-PA), Christopher Cox (R-CA), Phil English (R-PA), Van Hilleary (R-TN), Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), William O. Lipinski (D-IL), Michael R. McNulty (D-NY), Bob Schaffer (R-CO), Frank Wolf (R-VA), and Martin Frost (D-TX). All are members of the House Baltic Caucus except for Congressman Wolf. More co-sponsors are needed to secure successful passage of this resolution.

If your Congressman has not yet signed onto HCR 116, please ask them to do so. Calls of support are also needed to the House International Relations Committee at: 202-225-5021.

Also on April 26, Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-CO) introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 34, which congratulates the Baltic nations on the tenth anniversary of the reestablishment of their full independence. S. Con. Res. 34 “calls on the President of the United States to build upon the close and mutually beneficial relations with Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania that have existed since the restoration of their full independence.”

This measure has been co-sponsored by Senators Christopher Dodd (D-CT) and George Voinovich (R-OH).

Please ask your Senator to support S. Con. Res. 34. Messages of support to Congressman Shimkus, Senator Campbell and to the co-sponsors are also needed.

Commenting for the record, Senator Campbell stated that “In the ten years following the restoration of their full independence, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have demonstrated their commitment to democracy, human rights, and rule of law at home. At the same time, they have actively participated in a wide range of international structures, while pursuing further integration into European political, economic and security organizations.”

The Colorado Senator added that “it is fitting that we introduce this resolution today, coinciding with (Latvian) President Vike-Freiberga's working visit to Washington.” This occurred the same day as JBANC’s 40th anniversary celebration. To see images of the event, please visit the JBANC website here.