JBANC Statement on Congressional Passage of BSI and FMF Funding
The Joint Baltic American National Committee (JBANC) welcomes the passage on February 3 of the final Defense Appropriations bill, which provides $200 million in funding for the Baltic Security Initiative (BSI), as well as the final State and Foreign Operations bill, which allocates $10 million in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to each Baltic state.
The BSI strengthens the defensive capabilities of the Baltic states by facilitating the transfer of U.S. defense articles to the region. The Baltic states have demonstrated their own commitment to security by spending over five percent of GDP on defense and by providing matching funds for defense articles procured through the BSI.
JBANC thanks our champions in the United States Congress, including the leadership of the House Baltic Caucus—Representatives Don Bacon and Salud Carbajal—as well as members of the Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus, including Senator Dick Durbin and Senator Chuck Grassley. We also extend our gratitude to Representatives Mike Turner, Austin Scott, and Wesley Bell for speaking on the House floor in support of the BSI.
Finally, we thank all of our grassroots advocates who traveled to Washington, participated in virtual meetings, or wrote letters to their congressional offices. Advocacy is not possible without the strength and dedication of our Baltic American communities.
