Washington, DC – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (NY-21) and Congressman Anthony G. Brown (MD-04) introduced a bipartisan resolution to commemorate Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania’s 100th anniversary of their creation as independent states. Co-sponsors include Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), Seth Moulton (MA-06), John Shimkus (IL-15), Adam Schiff (CA-28), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) and Steve Cohen (TN-09)
“I am pleased to join Rep. Anthony Brown on this bipartisan effort to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of independence for Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “As NATO allies, these nations have been close partners with the United States in our efforts to bring greater security around the world. These nations have also demonstrated a shared commitment to our fundamental principles of democracy and freedom. I was pleased to visit Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania recently with Rep. Brown in February and saw firsthand their sense of excitement at this important milestone for their nations. I congratulate these allies of ours and am pleased to introduce this bipartisan resolution today.”
“100 years ago the United States recognized the independence of the Baltic nations - and continued to recognize that independence despite a brutal Soviet occupation. Today, in the face of renewed Russian aggression, it is imperative that we remember our allies who continue to combat direct and indirect Russian challenges to their sovereignty,” said Congressman Brown. “I recently returned from a trip to the Baltic states, where I saw how Estonia’s, Latvia’s, and Lithuania’s close security partnership with the United States serves as an important bulwark against Russian aggression in the region. The Baltic nations are among our most reliable Allies in NATO, and the commitment of the United States to their security must be rock solid”
“Lithuania has always felt strong support from the U.S. Congress and this Resolution is further proof of it. We are grateful for continued cooperation in addressing various challenges to our common security and in fostering closer transatlantic relations. Our unity today is as important as ever in order to stand together against those who want to undermine our democracy, our freedom and our values,” said Ambassador of Lithuania Mr. Rolandas Krišciunas.
“The United States and Estonia share a long-standing relationship based on our joint dedication to the principles of democracy, individual liberty, and the rule of law. ‘The axis of good,’as president Kaljulaid put it after meeting with President Trump,” said Ambassador of Estonia Mr. Lauri Lepik. “We are grateful for the bipartisan support Estonia and the other Baltic states have enjoyed in Congress and view this proposed resolution in the House as a reflection of these strong bonds.”
“We have always highly valued consistent and enduring bipartisan support of the United States Congress for the three Baltic states. Latvia supports the initiative of the House of Representatives to pass the Resolution on Noting the Baltic States of Estonia’s, Latvia’s, and Lithuania’s 100th anniversary of independence,” said Ambassador of Latvia Mr. Andris Teikmanis. “This year we are celebrating our freedom, independence and heritage with our American friends. We are strongly convinced that many of our compatriots and communities of Baltic descent in the United States are joining us today in thanking the U.S. and Congress for its invaluable contribution to the Baltic security, strategic partnership and bolstering of mutually beneficial cooperation that we are looking forward to strengthen and deepen in the years to come.”
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