WASHINGTON DC – In a forceful, bipartisan legislative move, the US Congress on Thursday morning approved an amendment to establish the Baltic Security Initiative (BSI), a program aimed at deepening security cooperation with Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
The action follows growing alarm over recent Russian aggression, including a drone incursion into Poland, a NATO ally.
The amendment to the Defense Authorization Act, introduced by Congressman Austin Scott (R-GA) and supported by Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA), authorizes the Secretary of Defense to formalize the BSI.
Its key objectives are to deter Russian aggression, align with NATO’s strategic goals, and enhance the military capabilities of the Baltic nations, specifically in areas like long-range precision fire systems, integrated air and missile defense, and cybersecurity.
Lawmakers defy reported Pentagon cuts
The House’s decision came as lawmakers expressed deep concern over reports that the Pentagon was considering ending security assistance programs for European allies, including the BSI.
During floor debate, Congressman Carbajal called the potential funding cut a “massive gift to Putin” and a dangerous signal to the Kremlin.
The amendment’s supporters highlighted the Baltic countries’ strong commitment to their own defense, noting that they already exceed NATO’s defense spending targets and are on track to spend over 5 percent of their GDP on defense next year.
Congressman Mike Turner (R-OH) pointed out that the Baltic states have contributed roughly $10 for every $1 of US funding for the initiative.
Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE) described the rumored policy shift as a “disastrous and shameful decision,” warning that withdrawing support from these allies would weaken deterrence and increase the likelihood of conflict in Europe.
Baltic lawmakers plead for continued US support
The House vote followed a joint letter from 36 Baltic parliamentarians to key US Congressional committees, urging them to continue funding the BSI.
The letter, which included signatures from leaders across party lines in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, thanked the US for its long-standing partnership and noted that their nations have stood with the US in Iraq and Afghanistan and continue to support allies such as Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel.
Recent reports suggest that the Pentagon informed European diplomats of a plan to cut funding for military assistance programs in Europe.
A Lithuanian defense official, Vaidotas Urbelis, confirmed that a program providing military training and equipment, known as Section 333, was being considered for a funding cut to zero for all European countries.
The final say on funding for these programs rests with Congress, which holds the power of the purse. The bill must be reconciled with the Senate’s version and receive the President’s signature to be enacted.
The passage of the BSI amendment in the House signals a clear intent by lawmakers to maintain and strengthen US security commitments to its Baltic allies – as two Congressional aides put it in an interview with Kyiv Post on Thursday – “regardless of any potential policy shifts by the executive branch.”