Johnson Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Bolster Baltic States’ Defense and Rein in Russia

WASHINGTON D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Julie Johnson (TX-32), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, along with Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02), Europe Subcommittee Ranking Member Bill Keating (MA-09), and House Baltic Caucus Co-Chairs Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) and Congressman Salud Carbajal (CA-24), introduced the Facilitating Operational Readiness Through Inter-Baltics Flexibility (FORTIFY) Act. The legislation will authorize the retransfers of U.S. defense articles and services among the Baltic states to deter Russian aggression.

"The Baltic states have been strong allies and partners, purchasing more than $1 billion in U.S. defense equipment over the last four years. These investments support American jobs, including many in my district, while strengthening our shared security interests," said Congresswoman Julie Johnson. "At a time when key defense deliveries face delays, it is important that our allies have the tools and flexibility they need to maintain their security and deter aggression. This legislation helps ensure they can continue to respond effectively to evolving threats and uphold stability in the region."

"The United States rightfully never recognized the Soviet occupation of the Baltic states throughout the Cold War. Today, with their sovereignty fully restored, the Baltic states are among the strongest and most reliable allies of the United States," said Congressman Joe Wilson. An investment in the Baltics pays enormous dividends. They are fully aligned with our interests and we should do everything we can to help them defend themselves and, in turn, maintain U.S. national security and the safety of every American family."

"Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are steadfast NATO allies committed to NATO's collective defense. All three Baltic countries continue to purchase U.S. defense systems to fortify their own security against Russian aggression," said Ranking Member Bill Keating. "The FORTIFY Act is an important step to support our Baltic allies and allow them to more seamlessly transfer U.S. defense articles to one another. This is a common step measure to strengthen NATO's deterrence, and I appreciate Representative Julie Johnson and other bipartisan members of Congress for introducing this measure."

"The Baltic states are on the front lines of Putin's aggression, and the United States should make it easier, not harder, for these NATO allies to work together," said Congressman Don Bacon, Co-Chair of the House Baltic Caucus. "The FORTIFY Act gives Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania the flexibility to move critical U.S. defense articles and services among one another so they can respond faster, strengthen deterrence, and defend NATO's eastern flank. I'm glad to join Congresswoman Johnson and my colleagues in this bipartisan effort to stand with our Baltic allies and counter Russia's aggression."

"Now more than ever, we must stand firmly with our Baltic allies to counter Russian aggression in Ukraine and prevent the conflict from expanding," said Congressman Carbajal, Co-Chair of the House Baltic Caucus. "I'm proud to co-lead Rep. Johnson's bipartisan bill to provide our allies with the equipment they need to strengthen their defenses."

To read the full text of the legislation, click here.

Congresswoman Julie Johnson represents Texas's 32nd Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives, serving on the Homeland Security Committee, Foreign Affairs Committee, and the House Administration Committee. Her district includes parts of Collin, Dallas, and Denton Counties.

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