Bell, Carbajal, Bacon Introduce Bipartisan Baltic Security Assessment Act to Strengthen National Security and Support NATO Allies

Washington, D.C.-Today, U.S. Representatives Wesley Bell (D-Mo.), Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.), and Don Bacon (R-Neb.), introduced the Baltic Security Assessment Act of 2025, a bipartisan measure to ensure the United States maintains a clear, comprehensive understanding of the threats facing Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania from hostile actors, including Russia, China, Iran, Belarus, and North Korea.

Under the legislation, the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, will be required to deliver a detailed report to Congress within 180 days assessing emerging military, cyber, hybrid, and political threats to the Baltic nations. The report will also identify opportunities to strengthen U.S.-Baltic defense cooperation, reinforce the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) collective defense posture, bolster cybersecurity infrastructure, and enhance democratic resilience in the region.

"Putin's unprovoked war on Ukraine is a stark reminder that our Baltic allies are on the frontlines of the fight for freedom and democracy," said Rep. Bell. "The Baltic Security Assessment Actwill give the United States a clear picture of the threats facing Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, and strengthen our ability to support them. This bipartisan bill reinforces NATO's collective defense and ensures we stand united against those who seek to undermine freedom."

"The Baltic nations have witnessed firsthand the reality of Soviet oppression and today stand as beacons of democracy in the face of increasing threats from Russia and its allies. I'm grateful to co-lead the Baltic Security Assessment Act of 2025, which strengthens our commitment to our steadfast allies Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania," said Rep. Bacon, co-chair of the House Baltic Caucus. "This bipartisan legislation will improve our understanding of emerging military, cyber, and hybrid threats to the Baltic states through a comprehensive assessment, while reaffirming America's unwavering support for these vital NATO partners."

"Russia's unprovoked war in Ukraine has underscored the urgent need to stand firmly with our Baltic allies," said Rep. Carbajal, co-chair of the House Baltic Caucus. "The Baltic Security Assessment Act reinforces our Baltic alliances, bolsters regional stability, and advances our shared security goals."

Last week, three Russian military jets violated Estonia's airspace for 12 minutes, the latest in a series of military actions by Russia that have provoked NATO members. This follows the 20 Russian drones fired into Poland's airspace during the evening of September 9.

Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have been NATO members since 2004 and have played an active role in the alliance's collective defense. The Baltic nations have been on the frontlines of countering Russian aggression, particularly since Moscow's illegal invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The bill underscores the United States' commitment to ensuring these allies have the resources, intelligence, and cooperation needed to defend themselves and the transatlantic alliance.

Rep. Bell is a member of the bipartisan House Baltic Caucus. Reps. Carbajal and Bacon serve as Caucus' co-chairs.

Read the full bill text here.

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