The Joint Baltic American National Committee (JBANC) held its 5th Baltic Advocacy Days starting on May 2. Over fifty meetings were held with constituents and Congressional staffers from 25 states and Washington, DC, with three Members of Congress joining in on the discussions. Discussions took place with more than 30 Senate and close to 20 House offices. With a total registration of over 130 Baltic American constituents and friends, the event had a record 90% participation rate. A few meetings are still in coordination through the end of May. Estonian American National Council (EANC) Washington, DC Director Karin Shuey was a key player in organizing and conducting the meetings, as was EANC Vice President Mai-Liis Bartling in taking the lead for meetings in California.
The event’s main talking points focused on support for Ukraine, strengthening Baltic security, and energy security and economic development. Quick passage of the $33 billion aid package for Ukraine announced by President Biden the week before the event topped the list of Ukraine issues. Other Ukraine-related legislation included the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022; the Asset Seizure for Ukraine Reconstruction Act, which would allow the president to seize assets of foreign individuals whose wealth can be connected with Putin’s corrupt regime; and a House bill directing the president to submit to Congress a report on government efforts to collect evidence related to war crimes committed during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Baltic security talking points were led off by the Baltic Defense and Deterrence Act (BDDA). This is the main defense and economic aid package that JBANC and EANC will advocate for this year. The BDDA would codify the Baltic Security Initiative into law, providing $250 million per fiscal year 2023-2027 to strengthen the Baltics’ reconnaissance, air defense, and domain awareness. The bill would also provide $60 million per fiscal year 2023-2027 to support the Baltic Security and Economic Enhancement Initiative. This would help mitigate pressure from Russia and China, encourage foreign investment, and bolster Baltic energy security needs. The Senate bill was introduced by Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA), co-chairs of the Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus. The House bill was introduced by Representatives Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Don Bacon (R-NE), co-chairs of the House Baltic Caucus.
Support for the Senate bill requiring the secretary of defense to replace equipment provided to Ukraine by certain NATO members was another important discussion topic. Estonia leads the world in contributions to Ukraine by gross domestic product (see graphic) and has depleted its defensive capabilities as a result. This bill would help the Baltic nations and others build back their stocks and prepare in case the war expands. It was also introduced in the Senate by Senators Grassley and Durbin. A permanent presence of U.S. troops in the region remains another top request for Baltic security. While the current rotational forces send a message of U.S. support, they are not enough to provide a credible deterrent should the Kremlin consider encroaching on NATO territory there.
Under the energy security and economic development topic, participants called for support for the Three Seas Initiative (3SI), a project among 12 European Union nations in Central and Eastern Europe to strengthen infrastructure, including digital interconnectivity. 3SI benefits the United States by expanding markets for U.S. products, providing investment possibilities for U.S. businesses, and keeping destructive Russian and Chinese elements at bay. Participants also highlighted the Transatlantic Telecommunications Security Act, which would support funding mechanisms for cross-border and 5G-infrastructure development. This bill has passed in the House and is currently in process in the Senate.
While it is difficult to determine the actual impact of our meetings, especially so soon after the main event and while meetings are still taking place, there are a few indications that the offices prioritized the issues discussed during the course of advocacy week. One Representative that took part in her district’s meeting, Congresswoman Janice Schakowsky (D-IL), pledged to join the House Baltic Caucus as a result of the meeting with her constituents, including Honorary Consul of Estonia Siim Sööt and Ms. Gilda Karu. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) signed on as a co-sponsor to three bills as of May 11 – BDDA, TTSA, and the equipment replacement bill. The Lend-Lease Act was signed into law during the event, at least one Representative cosponsored the BDDA in the House after meeting with constituents, and the recent aid package for Ukraine passed its May 10 House vote with 368 yeas and 57 nays.
Historically, JBANC’s advocacy events have been held in person every two years in conjunction with its biennial conferences. The last two events have been adapted to virtual platforms in light of COVID restrictions. JBANC has learned through this experience that virtual events have actually attracted more participants. As COVID restrictions ease, organizers will have to weigh the benefits of higher numbers against the value of in-person meetings. Baltic Americans and friends are encouraged to call their elected officials at any time to ask for support of the legislation highlighted above.
Estonian American National Council 