Policy

Find out the legislation that builds the U.S.-Baltic security relationship. Access the information you need to advocate for the U.S.-Baltic security relationship.

JBANC represents the Baltic American community in Congress, promoting legislation and policies that enhance U.S.-Baltic Security. During the 119th Congress JBANC’s policy priorities are the following:

01
Fund the
Baltic Security Initiative

02
Sanction
Russia

03
Join House Baltic Caucus
or Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus

Baltic Security Initiative

Legislative Ask: Support the inclusion of $300 million for the Baltic Security Initiative in FY2027 within the defense appropriations bill to strengthen security cooperation with Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

Legislative Ask: Support authorizing the Baltic Security Initiative at $300 million in the FY27 National Defense Authorization Act.

Congress contributes to the U.S.-Baltic relationship through an appropriation known as the Baltic Security Initiative (BSI). U.S. defense articles purchased with matching funds from the Baltic states are delivered to the region to enhance defensive capabilities and secure NATO’s Eastern flank. Capabilities supported as listed in bill text include:

(A) long-range precision fire systems and capabilities;

(B) integrated air and missile defense;

(C) maritime domain awareness;

(D) land forces development, including stockpiling large caliber ammunition;

(E) command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance;

(F) special operations forces development;

Baltic Security Initiative Funding Levels

Why Support the Baltic Security Initiative?

The Baltic states are engaged in a race to establish credible deterrence against Russia. Estonian intelligence services assess that following the end of the war in Ukraine, Russia’s reconstituted forces could result in a greater troop presence along the Baltic borders than existed prior to Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.

In response to the changing security environment in Europe, NATO has set higher capability and defense spending targets. The Baltic states are working diligently to meet these benchmarks, with all three committing more than 5 percent of GDP to defense in FY26. BSI plays a critical role in accelerating the development and deployment of key defensive capabilities, helping to close capability gaps and ensure timely parity with Russian forces.