Central and East European Coalition Urges House Passageof the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026

Dear Members of the Lithuanian American Community,

The U.S. House of Representatives is in session for one more week until November, and we need our elected officials to stand up and push forward some important legislation concerning sanctions on Russia and Baltic regional security.

We join with our friends from the Joint Baltic American National Committee (JBANC) and the Central and East European Coalition (CEEC) in calling on the House of Representatives to pass H.R.10076, the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 this week.

In August, the Senate finally passed its version of the bill by a wide, bipartisan margin (86-11).

This bill is critical because it would impose mandatory sanctions on the Russian energy, finance, and defense industries.  Notably, it would also sanction those doing business with Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” that is funding its war machine in Ukraine, as well as Putin’s efforts to prod NATO allies like Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.

We also need to ensure that the U.S. will maintain its presence in the Baltic States and provide funding to support their defense.  Because of your efforts, the Baltic Security Initiative (BSI) was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)!  The BSI continues to safeguard U.S. national security interests; however, over the next three years, the Baltic States estimate an additional $1.65 billion shortfall.

17 Senators signed a May 2026 letter expressing support for funding the BSI.  We need our Members of Congress to support Baltic security by increasing funds for the BSI in this year’s Federal budget.

Thank you for standing up and speaking up for Lithuanian security and defense!

Best regards,

Krista Bard

Chair, Public Affairs Committee

Lithuanian American Community, Inc.

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