Action Alert: March 6, 2000
Contact: Karl Altau

On March 2, 2000, the Senate passed Concurrent Resolution (S. Con. Res.) 91, which congratulates the Republic of Lithuania on the tenth anniversary of the reestablishing of its independence. The legislation is sponsored by Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) and co-sponsored by eleven other Senators, including all Baltic Freedom Caucus members, Majority leader Trent Lott, Foreign Relations Committee chairman Jesse Helms, Helsinki Committee co-chair Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-CO) and Republican Illinois Senator Peter Fitzgerald. The measure marks the March 11, 1990 date when Lithuania proclaimed restoration of full sovereignty and independence, the first step leading to the disintegration of the Soviet Union.

In the House, an identical version, H. Con. Res. 258, was introduced by House Baltic Caucus co-chairman John Shimkus (R-IL) and is co-sponsored by Caucus co-chair Dennis Kucinich (D-OH). H. Con. Res. 258 was sent to the House International Relations Committee and is awaiting further action. The House will reconvene on Wednesday, March 8. During this time, it is important to show support for this measure. Please call your Representative today and ask them to support Lithuania and the Baltic countries by co-sponsoring H. Con. Res. 258. Remind your Member of Congress that an active United States foreign policy is essential in maintaining stability and democratization in Europe. Calls of support are also needed to the House International Relations Committee at 202-225-5021.

Use this opportunity to also thank those twelve Senators who demonstrated their support by co-sponsoring S. Con. Res. 91. The Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus, along with the House Baltic Caucus, are important vehicles for U.S. advocacy towards Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.