In Lithuania, Boehner promises to combat Russian aggression

Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) vowed that Congress would combat Russian aggression through free-trade and energy policies as well as military aid for America’s allies during a visit to Lithuania.

“Whether it’s arming Ukraine or declaring energy independence, Lithuania sets an example for the region, and frankly, the world. The American people recognize that this threat demands decisive leadership and action,” Boehner said at a news conference in the capital city of Vilnius.

{mosads}“That’s why the Congress of the United States is working to ensure that tangible assistance is provided not only to Lithuania, but to all of our partners in the region,” he continued. “We’re also working to expedite exports of natural gas to Europe to help break the manipulation of access to these valuable resources.”

On Monday, Boehner and seven other House lawmakers wrapped up a three-day visit to Vilnius, where they helped Lithuania mark the 25th anniversary of its independence from the Soviet Union. The delegation included GOP Reps. Susan Brooks (Ind.), Mike Kelly (Pa.), John Shimkus (Ill.), Mike Simpson (Idaho), Greg Walden (Ore.) and Ann Wagner (Mo.), as well as Democratic Rep. Dan Lipinski (Ill.).

Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė met with the U.S. delegation Saturday at the presidential palace, where the discussion focused on security in the region.  

Boehner’s Lithuanian counterpart, Speaker Loreta Graužinienė, hosted a dinner for the delegation at the historical Palace of the Grand Dukes on Saturday. That was followed by a Sunday visit to the Port of Klaipeda, home of the country’s new liquefied natural gas terminal — the first in the region — aimed at “disrupting Russia’s energy stranglehold on Europe,” Boehner’s office said.

On Sunday evening, the delegation attended a reception hosted by U.S. Ambassador Deborah McCarthy for American service members stationed in Lithuania. And Monday morning, Boehner’s group met with Speaker Graužinienė, members of Parliament and Vytautas Landsbergis, the nation’s first post-communist leader.  

The delegation ended its visit with a tour of the barricades the Lithuanians constructed in the early 1990s to defend the new government against Soviet forces.

“We’ve learned a lot about the challenges facing your country and expressed our support for the Lithuanian people in their ongoing struggle,” Boehner said after the tour.