Durbin Meets With Lithuanian Rower Aurimas Valujavicius
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus, met with Lithuanian rower Aurimas Valujavi?ius and Lithuanian Ambassador to the U.S., Audra Plepyt?. During the meeting, they discussed the continued congressional support for the Baltic States, as well as ongoing Russian aggression and interference in the region. Durbin also congratulated Valujavi?ius for being the third person and first Lithuanian to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
“Time and time again, Lithuania has proved itself to be a champion of freedom and democracy. Today, in the face of Russian aggression and Chinese economic intimidation, is no different. As Russian threats continue to loom large over Eastern Europe, the U.S. will continue to be a loyal ally to Lithuania and its Baltic neighbors as these nations uphold shared democratic values,” said Durbin. “During our meeting, I also offered my congratulations to Mr. Valujavi?ius for his impressive achievement. Lithuania should be proud.”
Photos of the meeting are available here.
Today, Durbin and U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced the Baltic Security Initiative Act, bipartisan legislation to effectively codify the Baltic Security Initiative, which will enhance and strengthen U.S. security cooperation with the Baltics amid Russia’s unprovoked war in Ukraine. Durbin’s mother was born in Lithuania and came to the United States with her mother and siblings in 1911.
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