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DON BACON'S BALTIC MISSION ⟩ Baltic Security Caucus Chair Criticizes U.S. Production Tempo for Long-Range Air Defense

Congressmen Salud Carbajal and Don Bacon (on the right) in Tallinn as part of the Congressional Baltic Security Caucus visit. Photo: Eero Vabamägi
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Congressman Don Bacon, a Republican from Nebraska, identifies himself and many of his party colleagues as "Eisenhower Republicans" and pledges to push the Pentagon on strengthening military deterrence in the Baltics.

Bacon's role as the chairman of the Baltic Security Caucus on the Republican side is one he takes seriously, as he emphasized during his recent Baltic tour. "If you're going to be the chairman of the Baltic Security Caucus, it's important to periodically come and meet with the leadership of all three countries," Bacon stated in an interview with the Estonian newspaper Postimees.

The central focus of Bacon's visit was NATO's military deterrence in the Baltic region. Bacon emphasized the urgency of bolstering air defense and long-range precision fires capabilities in the three Baltic states.

A small military exposition at the reception of the U.S. Embassy in Tallinn to celebrate the 248th Independence Day of the United States.
A small military exposition at the reception of the U.S. Embassy in Tallinn to celebrate the 248th Independence Day of the United States. Photo: Rasmus Rebase

However, the timeline for these critical defense enhancements remains a point of contention. Bacon expressed frustration over the delays. "It should not take five years to get a long-range air defense in," he asserted, pledging to push the Pentagon, the State Department, and NATO to expedite the process.

Bacon's visit comes at a time of growing unease in Eastern Europe, as questions about the future direction of U.S. foreign policy, particularly under former President Donald Trump, loom large.

When asked about these concerns, Bacon did not shy away from acknowledging the uncertainty. "I wish I could give you a 100% assurance," he said. However, he remained optimistic, pointing out that Trump was the first to provide lethal aid to Ukraine during his presidency. "I believe he will see that 70% of Americans support Ukraine, and that will have a forcing effect that will pull him over."

Although the war in Ukraine is not a central topic for U.S. presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, the latter is expected to oppose Harris's stronger stance on continuing support for Ukraine.
Although the war in Ukraine is not a central topic for U.S. presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, the latter is expected to oppose Harris's stronger stance on continuing support for Ukraine. Photo: Brendan Smialowski

Bacon also addressed the isolationist rhetoric that has gained traction within certain factions of the Republican Party, a stance he vehemently opposes. "I consider myself an 'Eisenhower Republican', and many people still do," he said. "I think we've got to defeat the isolationist debate. It doesn't work. We tried isolationism in the 1930s and it failed."

In the broader context of U.S. foreign policy, Bacon rejects the notion that America should shift its focus entirely to the Asia-Pacific region at the expense of Europe.

While acknowledging that China poses a long-term threat, he argued that Russia remains the immediate danger. "We don't have the ability not to worry about China. We've got Russia doing what they're doing, Iran doing what it's doing," Bacon said. He advocated for a strong, multi-front approach, emphasizing the importance of alliances like NATO, as well as partnerships with countries like Australia, Japan, and potentially India.

As debates within Congress continue, Bacon's stance reflects a broader struggle within the Republican Party—a struggle between the isolationist voices gaining prominence and those, like Bacon, who champion a strong, engaged America on the global stage. "For me, winning an election is secondary to doing the right thing," Bacon concluded. "I think we've got to stand up for what we believe in."

Article photo
Photo: Eero Vabamägi

Donald John Bacon

Born in 1963 in Momence, Illinois.

Since 2017, Congressman from Nebraska's 2nd District representing the Republican Party.

Served in the United States Air Force, ascending to the rank of Brigadier General, including service at Ramstein Air Base in Germany and Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha.

Member of the House Armed Services Committee and Agriculture Committee, Chairman of the Cybersecurity Subcommittee, Chairman of the Baltic Security Caucus.

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