17 Senators Sign Letter in Support of Robust Funding for Baltic Security Initiative

Washington, D.C. (JBANC)- Seventeen members of the United States Senate signed a letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense in support of robust funding for the Baltic Security Initiative. The letter led by Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus Co-Chairs Senator Chuck Grassley and Senator Dick Durbin, highlights the Baltic commitment to defense, “All three countries have long exceeded the NATO goal of two percent and are leading in defense expenditure nearing and exceeding 5% GDP in 2026.”

The United States plays an essential role in supporting Baltic security, particularly through the Baltic Security Initiative, a major source of funding for strengthening regional defense capabilities. Robust funding would help accelerate key defense capacity-building projects and bolster deterrence against Russian aggression. The letter highlights that “Over the next three years, the Baltic states estimate an additional $1.65 billion shortfall in completing these projects beyond the $21 billion they intend to spend on their own defense needs.” Continued investment is vital given that the Baltic region is currently the only area of NATO without conventional military superiority over its Russian counterparts. 

The Joint Baltic American National Committee is grateful for the support of the 17 members of the U.S. Senate. JBANC will continue to work with Congress to ensure the Baltic Security Initiative is funded for FY27.

See the full letter text and signatures here.