Heartfelt pleas from Estonia and Poland government leaders for a permanent presence by the United States Military was fresh on the mind of Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02), after he returned from a week-long bipartisan CODEL to Europe led by Speaker Paul Ryan. Currently, the United States rotates troops in and out of these two countries.

“It was very emotional to meet with members of Estonia’s government and hear their stories and pride of their country. Poland and Estonia are on the frontlines with Russia and Estonia is constantly under cyber-attack by the Russians,” said Congressman Bacon. “They have asked for a permanent US presence because it sends the message to Russia ‘you pick on us you’re picking on America.’”

Poland spends two percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) on defense and is a strong voice for NATO presence in the Baltics and southeast Europe. Norway plays a critical security role guarding NATO’s northern flank and recently committed an increase in defense spending.

“We discussed several issues of mutual concern, including increased Russian military activity in the region and elsewhere,” added Congressman Bacon. “It was beneficial for us to see the Norwegian Joint National Headquarters where we witnessed how Norway serves as the eyes and ears of the northern flank in support of NATO.”

The CODEL delegation also visited with government leaders of the United Kingdom to discuss current security threats in the region, and met with US Military members for a review of activities and personnel. They also discussed trade among the nations.

“We have had a special relationship with the U.K. since WWII and we have an opportunity to build upon this and make it even stronger,” said Congressman Bacon.  “Forging a bilateral trade deal with the British following BREXIT should be one of our top priorities and it would serve both countries well.”