Press release, 19 November 2020

Given that John Shimkus, a long-standing member of the US House of Representatives, is bidding farewell to the US Congress and in appreciation of his overall contribution to the freedom cause of the Baltic States, the Seimas expressed, on behalf of Lithuania, its utmost gratitude to him for his steady 23-year-long concern for Lithuania’s security.

The Resolution (draft No XIVP-14(2)) thereon was adopted unanimously by 122 votes in favour.

The above-mentioned Resolution underlines that Mr Shimkus, of Lithuanian descent, was a long-standing Head of the House Baltic Caucus who had once, arms in hand, stood guard over the freedom of the Allies in the Federal Republic of Germany and was among the most active advocates of Lithuania’s membership of NATO and a great help to Lithuania on all matters.

‘John Shimkus has been one of the most active congressmen in persuading the US Congress to liberalise trade in liquefied natural gas and approve NATO’s defence plans for the Baltic States, in countering Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, in proclaiming and regularly commemorating Black Ribbon Day at the US Congress, in fighting against the Kremlin’s hostile propaganda and disinformation, in establishing the American-Lithuanian Business Council, and in launching a host of other initiatives of support to the Baltic States,’ the Resolution underlines.

The Resolution was authored by Emanuelis Zingeris, Member of the Seimas.