Delivered on behalf of the Joint Baltic American National Committee (JBANC)
by Mārtiņš Andersons, President of the American Latvian Association (ALA) and JBANC Board Member
Mister President, honorable members of the Baltic Assembly and the Baltic Council, dear friends,
It is an honor to be with you today, on behalf of the Joint Baltic American National Committee, and as President of the American Latvian Association, representing hundreds of thousands of Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian Americans across the United States. Thank you for the opportunity to be here among friends and partners who share a deep commitment to freedom, democracy, and Baltic unity.
We meet today at a time of continuing challenge for our region and for the democratic world. Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine rages on, bringing daily suffering and destruction. Yet, the Baltic nations — Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania — have remained steadfast. You have led by example, standing with Ukraine politically, militarily, and morally. On a per capita basis, your support has been among the strongest anywhere in the world. The Baltic countries are showing what principled leadership looks like.
In the United States, our Baltic-American communities have worked tirelessly to keep that same spirit alive. Across the country, we’ve organized rallies, raised humanitarian aid, and spoken directly with members of Congress to ensure they understand what’s at stake — for Ukraine, for the Baltics, and for democracy itself.
But we also recognize that the political landscape is shifting. The U.S. is going through a period of reflection and division, and we hear increasing voices questioning the costs of global leadership. Debates about America’s role in the world have intensified during President Trump’s second administration and they remind us that the transatlantic partnership cannot be taken for granted.
That makes our work — yours and ours together — even more important.
In this environment, we can’t assume that U.S. support for the transatlantic partnership will automatically continue. We have to make the case — clearly and constantly — for why it matters. And that case must be about both values and interests.
At JBANC, we’ve seen how powerful that combination can be. When we meet with members of Congress and their staff, they respond not only to the moral argument — that the Baltics are loyal allies defending freedom — but also to the practical one.
When the Baltics invest in defense — and all three nations meet or exceed NATO’s spending goals — that benefits not only regional security, but also American industry. It supports U.S. jobs, strengthens NATO capabilities, and builds economic ties that make both sides stronger.
This is the kind of message that resonates across party lines. And it’s one that we encourage you — as Baltic parliamentarians and leaders — to emphasize whenever you engage with your American counterparts. Let them know that the Baltics are not just reliable allies, but valuable partners — delivering real security and economic results.
Through JBANC, the American Latvian Association and our Estonian and Lithuanian partners, we continue this advocacy every day. We’re building bipartisan relationships on Capitol Hill, making sure that support for the Baltics – and the U.S.-Baltic relationship in all its facets – remains strong regardless of who governs. I’m proud to note that today, membership in both the House Baltic Caucus and the Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus has reached historic levels; over one-fourth of all members of the U.S. Congress are now members — a clear sign that our collective message is being heard and embraced across party lines.
Our immediate goals are clear:
- To stand with Ukraine until victory and peace are achieved.
- To keep the transatlantic relationship strong and enduring.
- And to deepen the friendship between our nations — grounded in freedom, democracy, and mutual respect.
As a Latvian American, I am incredibly proud of what the Baltic nations have achieved. You’ve shown the world what unity, determination, and courage look like. And you remind us, again and again, that principles — when defended with strength — still matter.
So, on behalf of JBANC, and of Baltic Americans everywhere, thank you for your leadership and your example. We stand with you — always. Together, we will keep our shared bond strong, across the Atlantic and across generations.
Paldies! Thank you! Aitäh! Ačiū!
JBANC Board member Mārtiņš Andersons attended the 44th Session of the Baltic Assembly and the 31st Baltic Council. He addressed parliamentarians on the work of JBANC and the importance of demonstrating the value of the Baltic states in trans-Atlantic security. The annual meeting was held in Rīga, Latvia, on November 14.