Julie Johnson Seeks to Strengthen Baltic Defense Cooperation

Congresswoman Julie Johnson (D) joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in introducing the FORTIFY Act, legislation designed to give the Baltic states greater flexibility to transfer U.S.-made defense equipment among themselves, thereby strengthening regional security and deterring Russian aggression.

What is the FORTIFY Act?

Rep. Johnson, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, joined Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC), Bill Keating (D-MA), Don Bacon (R-NE), and Salud Carbajal (D-CA) in introducing the Facilitating Operational Readiness Through Inter-Baltics Flexibility (FORTIFY) Act.

The bipartisan legislation would authorize the transfer of U.S. Defense articles and services among Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, enabling Baltic allies to share military equipment more efficiently as they respond to evolving security threats.

How would the legislation help NATO allies?

Supporters say the bill would strengthen NATO's eastern flank by giving the Baltic nations greater operational flexibility while continuing to deter Russian aggression.

According to lawmakers, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have purchased more than $1 billion in U.S. defense equipment over the past four years, with those investments supporting American manufacturing jobs while improving allied defense capabilities.

What lawmakers are saying

Rep. Julie Johnson: "The Baltic states have been strong allies and partners, purchasing more than $1 billion in U.S. defense equipment over the last four years. These investments support American jobs, including many in my district, while strengthening our shared security interests."

Rep. Joe Wilson: "The Baltic states are among the strongest and most reliable allies of the United States. An investment in the Baltics pays enormous dividends."

Rep. Don Bacon: "The FORTIFY Act gives Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania the flexibility to move critical U.S. defense articles and services among one another so they can respond faster, strengthen deterrence, and defend NATO's eastern flank."

Rep. Salud Carbajal: "Now more than ever, we must stand firmly with our Baltic allies to counter Russian aggression in Ukraine and prevent the conflict from expanding."

The Bottom Line

The bipartisan FORTIFY Act aims to strengthen cooperation among the Baltic states by allowing them to more easily transfer U.S.-made defense equipment between one another. Supporters argue the legislaiton will improve military readiness, reinforce NATO's eastern defenses, and enhance deterrence against Russian aggression.