Sec. 1271. Findings

305 words·~1 min read·/bill/116/hr/2500/pcs/section-1271

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Congress finds the following: Russia seeks to diminish the North Atlantic Treaty Organization

(NATO)and recreate its sphere of influence in Europe using coercion, intimidation, and outright aggression. Deterring Russia from such aggression is vital for transatlantic security. The illegal occupation of Crimea by Russia and its continued engagement of destabilizing and subversive activities against independent and free states is of increasing concern. Russia also continues to disregard treaties, international laws and rights to freedom of navigation, territorial integrity, and sovereign international borders. Russia’s continued occupation of Georgian and Ukrainian territories and the sustained military buildup in Russia’s Western Military District and Kaliningrad has threatened continental peace and stability. The Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are particularly vulnerable to an increasingly aggressive and subversive Russia. In a declaration to celebrate 100 years of independence of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania issued on April 3, 2018, the Trump Administration reaffirmed United States commitments to these Baltic countries to improve military readiness and capabilities through sustained security assistance and explore new ideas and opportunities, including air defense, bilaterally and in NATO, to enhance deterrence across the region . These highly valued NATO allies of the United States have repeatedly demonstrated their commitment to advancing mutual interests as well as those of the NATO alliance. The Baltic countries also continue to participate in United States-led exercises to further promote coordination, cooperation, and interoperability among allies and partner countries, and continue to demonstrate their reliability and commitment to provide for their own defense. Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia each hosts a respected NATO Center of Excellence that provides expertise to educate and promote NATO allies and partners in areas of vital interest to the alliance. United States support and commitment to allies across Europe has been a lynchpin for peace and security on the continent for over 70 years.