Washington, D.C. - Today Representatives Dina Titus (NV-01), Brad Schneider (IL-10), and Bill Keating (MA-09) led a letter to Secretary of State Blinken urging the Biden administration to increase its diplomatic engagement in the Western Balkans.

“As the world watches Russia’s unprovoked and unlawful invasion of Ukraine unfold, it is more important than ever for the U.S. to deepen its engagement in the Balkans,” said Rep. Dina Titus. “Ensuring the Western Balkans are integrated into the transatlantic community and demonstrating our readiness to support democratic values abroad should be a priority for the U.S.”

"The United States has long supported democratic development in the Western Balkans, a part of the world diverse in its history and culture, where many nations have made great strides in terms of democratic development," said Congressman Bill Keating. "Unfortunately, some nations have stalled in making progress - dragged down by ethnic divisions and malign external influence. For these reasons, it is more important than ever that the United States further foster our relations with the Balkans and recommit ourselves to making US policy in the Balkans a priority."

Additional signers of the letter include Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Jim Costa (CA-16), Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30), Juan Vargas (CA-51), David Price (NC-04), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Ted Lieu (CA-33), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Albio Sires (NJ-08), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Tom Malinowski (NJ-07), Joe Morelle (NY-25), David Cicilline (RI-01), Gerry Connolly (VA-11), and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20)

The full letter can be accessed here.