WASHINGTON – In a bipartisan effort to bolster security cooperation with Baltic nations, Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced the Baltic Security Assessment Act of 2026 on Tuesday. The legislation directs the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, to deliver a comprehensive report to Congress detailing emerging threats to Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. This renewed focus on the region comes amid ongoing concerns about Russian aggression and the evolving security landscape in Eastern Europe.
The report mandated by the Act will specifically examine the role of potential malign actors – including Russia, Belarus, China, and Iran – in posing military, cyber, hybrid, and political threats to the Baltic states. It will also assess the current deterrence posture of the United States and NATO in the region, and identify opportunities to strengthen defense cooperation. The bill underscores the importance of the U.S. Commitment to its Baltic allies, particularly as they navigate a complex geopolitical environment.
“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,” Senator Durbin said in a statement. “Our bill encourages coordination between Congress and the Administration on the threats posed to the Baltic countries by lousy actors such as Russia, Belarus, China, and Iran.” Durbin also noted the importance of remaining steadfast in support of the NATO alliance, particularly given evolving foreign policy considerations.
Bipartisan Support and Long-Standing Commitment
The Baltic Security Assessment Act has garnered support from a diverse group of senators, including cosponsors Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), John Boozman (R-AR), Michael Bennet (D-CO), 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 bipartisan backing signals a unified commitment to the security of the Baltic states.
Senator Grassley echoed this sentiment, stating, “The United States, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are all united by the principles of democracy and the free market. 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 bipartisan legislation will strengthen our ties with the Baltics by ensuring the United States carefully assesses the evolving threats they face and identifies ways to bolster deterrence against Russia’s continued attempts to encroach on NATO territory.”
Durbin’s History of Advocacy for the Baltics
Senator Durbin has been a consistent advocate for the U.S.-Baltic alliance for years, a commitment rooted in his family history as the son of a Lithuanian immigrant. He has actively worked to secure funding for the Baltic Security Initiative (BSI), securing $231.5 million in defense appropriations for the BSI in Fiscal Year 2025 and an additional $200 million in the recently enacted FY 2026 defense appropriations bill.
This latest legislation builds upon previous efforts to codify the BSI, which Durbin created in 2021 to enhance U.S. Security cooperation with the Baltics in response to increasing Russian hybrid attacks and the war in Ukraine. Last March, Durbin and Grassley introduced the Baltic Security Initiative Act to formally establish the program. In September, Durbin successfully secured a bipartisan amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2026, protecting the BSI from potential suspension by the Trump Administration.
Recognizing the Alliance and Addressing Evolving Threats
The introduction of the Baltic Security Assessment Act follows a series of legislative actions demonstrating the ongoing commitment of Durbin and Grassley to strengthening ties with the Baltic states. Last Congress, the senators introduced a resolution recognizing the importance of the U.S.-Baltic alliance. In 2022, Durbin received the Aleksandras Stulginskis Star Award in Vilnius, Lithuania, recognizing his decades of support for Lithuanian independence and democracy. He was in Vilnius when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine four years ago, underscoring the urgency of the security concerns facing the region.
The Act’s focus on assessing threats from a range of actors – Russia, Belarus, China, and Iran – reflects a growing awareness of the multifaceted challenges facing the Baltic states. The report required by the legislation will provide Congress with critical information to inform future policy decisions and ensure that the U.S. Remains a strong and reliable partner to Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
The Senate is expected to consider the Baltic Security Assessment Act of 2026 in the coming weeks. Following passage in the Senate, the bill will be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. The timeline for a final vote remains uncertain, but the bipartisan support suggests a strong likelihood of enactment.
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