Whereas the Baltic people of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have a rich and unique heritage and history; Whereas after centuries of foreign domination and in the wake of the First World War, Estonia declared independence on February 24, 1918; Latvia declared independence on November 18, 1918; and Lithuania declared independence on February 16, 1918; Whereas, on July 28, 1922, the United States formally recognized Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania as independent countries; Whereas Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania enjoyed two decades of national sovereignty until they were illegally and forcibly incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1940, invaded by Nazi Germany during the Second World War, and occupied by Soviet forces until regaining independence in 1991; Whereas the United States never recognized this illegal occupation of sovereign states and, following the release of the Welles declaration on July 23, 1940, maintained continued diplomatic relations with the three Baltic States, strengthened by consistent bipartisan support from the Congress; Whereas the Baltic people, never losing sight of their pursuit for freedom, played a prominent and leading role in the struggle for national independence, civic rights, and democratic reform; Whereas in the years following their declarations and subsequent restoration of full independence, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have demonstrated a lasting commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law; Whereas Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania actively participate in a range of international organizations and promote further expansion and development of European and trans-Atlantic political, economic, and security institutions and arrangements; Whereas Estonia’s, Latvia’s, and Lithuania’s accession into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization has contributed to European stability and security cooperation, and serves as an effective bulwark against Russian aggression in Eastern Europe