WASHINGTON — A bipartisan group of senators introduced legislation Tuesday aimed at bolstering security cooperation between the United States and the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, as concerns grow over potential threats from Russia and other actors. The Baltic Security Assessment Act, sponsored by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA), would require the Secretaries of State and Defense to deliver a comprehensive report to Congress detailing emerging threats to the region.
The legislation comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Baltic nations, all members of NATO, share borders with Russia and Belarus and have been vocal in their concerns about Moscow’s aggressive posture. The bill specifically directs the report to assess the role of Russia, but also Belarus, China, and Iran in posing threats to the Baltic states. Understanding the evolving security landscape in the region is critical, proponents say, to ensuring a strong deterrent against potential aggression.
“Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are among NATO’s most committed allies – spending more on their own defense, as a share of GDP, than nearly anyone else in the alliance,” Senator Bennet said in a statement. “The Baltic Security Assessment Act will help ensure the United States stays ahead of emerging threats in the region and craft clear that we will meet any aggression against NATO territory with firm resolve.” According to NATO data from 2023, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania all exceed the alliance’s guideline of spending 2% of their GDP on defense. NATO’s official defense spending statistics show Estonia at 2.53%, Latvia at 2.28%, and Lithuania at 2.77%.
Addressing Evolving Threats and Strengthening Deterrence
The proposed legislation doesn’t just focus on identifying threats; it also calls for an assessment of the current U.S. And NATO deterrence posture in the region. The report would outline opportunities to enhance cooperation, both bilaterally and multilaterally, with the Baltic countries. A key component of this cooperation is the Baltic Security Initiative (BSI), which Senator Bennet helped codify last year as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The BSI provides security assistance and training to the Baltic states.
Senator Durbin emphasized the importance of continued support for the region, citing his personal ties and the Baltic nations’ commitment to democratic values. “Not only do I have strong personal ties to the region, but the Baltic countries are essential NATO partners in upholding democratic values and transatlantic security,” Durbin said. “Our bill encourages coordination between Congress and the Administration on the threats posed to the Baltic countries by bad actors such as Russia, Belarus, China, and Iran. Considering the Trump Administration’s foreign policy views, we must remain steadfast in support of the NATO alliance and the Baltic States as they work to combat increasing Russian aggression around the region.”
The BSI, authorized at $350 million annually through 2028, is a direct result of previous legislative efforts led by Bennet and others. The initiative grew out of the Baltic Security Initiative Act, initially introduced in March 2025, which laid the groundwork for its formal codification in the NDAA. Details of the NDAA amendment protecting the BSI are available on Senator Durbin’s website.
Bipartisan Support and Historical Context
The bipartisan nature of the bill underscores the broad concern within Congress regarding the security of the Baltic region. Senator Grassley highlighted the shared values between the United States and the Baltic nations. “The United States, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are all united by the principles of democracy and the free market,” Grassley stated. “For decades, these Baltic nations have contributed to the region’s security and stability, and it’s critical for America to stand with them against Putin’s ongoing aggression.”
This legislation builds on a consistent effort by Senator Bennet to strengthen U.S.-Baltic security ties. In September 2025, Bennet and a group of colleagues urged the then-Trump Administration to reverse proposed cuts to both the BSI and Section 333 funding, critical security assistance programs. This demonstrates a sustained commitment to the region, even amidst shifting political priorities.
The bill has garnered support from a diverse group of senators, including Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), John Boozman (R-AR), Susan Collins (R-ME), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Peter Welch (D-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), John Fetterman (D-PA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Cory Booker (D-NJ). This broad coalition suggests a strong likelihood of the bill gaining traction in the Senate.
Looking Ahead
The Baltic Security Assessment Act represents a proactive step towards addressing potential vulnerabilities in a strategically important region. By requiring a detailed assessment of threats and a review of deterrence measures, the legislation aims to ensure that the United States remains prepared to respond to any challenges to the security of its Baltic allies. The full text of the bill is available for review on Senator Bennet’s website.
The next step for the bill is consideration by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. A hearing date has not yet been announced, but lawmakers anticipate a swift review process given the urgency of the security situation in Eastern Europe. The outcome of this assessment will likely inform future U.S. Policy towards the Baltic states and the broader NATO alliance.
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