Whereas, in 2015, 12 Central and European nations of the European Union established the Three Seas Initiative to increase energy autonomy and resilience through support of collective financing for new infrastructure projects to connect the region between the Adriatic, Baltic, and Black Seas; Whereas the United States pledged support and willingness to serve as a steadfast partner of the Three Seas Initiative’s effort at the July 2017 Warsaw summit; Whereas the Three Seas Initiative will advance economic growth, resilience, and energy security in this strategic region, thereby increasing the national security of the United States; Whereas the President of the European Commission recognized the Three Seas Initiative as a catalyst for the cohesion and convergence of the EU and for the strengthening of the transatlantic link ; Whereas Soviet-imposed communist rule in Central and Eastern Europe left the region with a significant infrastructure deficit, especially in the realm of north-south transportation and energy lines; Whereas the current state of infrastructure in Central and Eastern Europe nations restricts energy, water, and telecommunications interconnectivity across the region; Whereas the infrastructure deficit leaves these nations overly dependent on Russia for their energy and additional economic needs; Whereas Russia seeks to undermine democratic institutions and liberty in Europe through hybrid means, including using energy as a tool for coercion; Whereas Russian gas pipeline projects, such as Nord Stream II and Turk Stream, are political and seek to undermine Europe’s energy security; Whereas diversification of energy sources and supply routes, including development of renewable energy sources and technology, is critical to bolstering energy security