JBANC

10/10/2026

JBANC condemns the U.S. import of Russian Diesel. Read our full statement here: https://www.jbanc.org/updates-from-the-hill/jbanc-statement-condemning-us-imports-of-russian-diesel

09/25/2026

The Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus has become the largest regional caucus, reaching 38 members this week.

Three senators have joined the caucus in the last two months: Senator John Kennedy (R-LA), Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC).

We thank all grass roots advocates who helped to grow the Caucus to record highs.

Is your Senator in the Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus? https://www.jbanc.org/senate-baltic-freedom-caucus

09/22/2026

Board members of the American Latvian Association including President Martins Andersons, Director of Public Affairs Jānis Kukainis, and Director of Office for Support and Aid to Latvia Diana Karklins, met with Senate offices on September 17 to discuss ALA’s 75th anniversary as well as legislative and policy priorities promoting U.S.-Baltic security.

The ALA delegation met with the offices of Sen. Cantwell, Sen. Schiff, Sen. Grassley, Sen. Cruz, Sen. Peters, Sen. Slotkin, and Sen. Husted.

Washington State Delegate Andrea Drougas and President Martins Andersons also met with Sen. Adam Schiff ahead of a discussion with his office on developing relations between California and Latvia.

09/21/2026

The Joint Baltic American National Committee is proud to be a member organization of the American Coalition for Ukraine.

Last week, JBANC staff participated in the Ukraine Action Summit, advocating for passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026.

The House’s passage of the legislation last Wednesday followed months of negotiations between Congress and the White House, alongside persistent advocacy from organizations across Washington and communities across the country.

We congratulate the advocates, organizations, and Members of Congress whose efforts helped make the passage of this important legislation possible.

09/16/2026

The Joint Baltic American National Committee welcomes the passage of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026.

Russia’s continued war against Ukraine, including brutal attacks on its people and critical infrastructure, demonstrates the need for sustained international pressure. The United States must continue working with its allies to hold Russia accountable and support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The legislation strengthens the tools available to address Russia’s war economy by authorizing sanctions on Russian financial institutions, energy exports, and the Shadow Fleet, as well as tariffs of up to 100% on major purchasers of Russian oil and gas. It also extends sanctions authorities targeting Iran.

Sustained economic pressure on Russia is an important component of protecting the security of Ukraine, the Baltic states, and NATO’s eastern flank.

JBANC will continue to advocate for the strict and timely implementation of sanctions on Russia and those enabling its aggression. We urge the administration to use these authorities in close coordination with U.S. allies to support a durable peace on Ukraine’s terms.

09/15/2026

JBANC met with the new Ambassador of Estonia to the U.S. Hannes Hanso to discuss the Baltic American diaspora, the work of JBANC, and U.S.-Baltic relations.

08/26/2026

The Joint Baltic American National Committee (JBANC) is hosting Virtual Baltic Advocacy Days from September 8–11, 2026. Virtual Baltic Advocacy Days is an opportunity for Baltic Americans and friends of the Baltics to engage with their Congressional offices on policies that strengthen the U.S.-Baltic security relationship and hold Russia accountable for its war of aggression against Ukraine.

Virtual meetings with Congressional offices will be held from September 8–11 from 9am-5pm. Participants typically partake in 2-3 meetings lasting approximately 20 minutes. A virtual briefing and informational session featuring policy experts will be held on September 1 at 7pm ET. No experience is necessary as a JBANC staff member will be present for all Congressional meetings to help lead and guide the conversation.

-What will participants advocate for?

Sanctioning Russia
Supporting the Baltic Security Initiative
Encouraging Members of Congress to join the Baltic Caucus

-Who can register?
U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to participate in Baltic Advocacy Days.

-Where will meetings take place?
Meetings will take place virtually via Zoom, Google Meets, and/or other video conferencing platforms.

Registration closes September 1st

Register Here: https://www.jbanc.org/register-for-virtual-event

08/26/2026