House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner has returned from a visit to Lithuania, where he affirmed Congress' commitment to offering military assistance to the region to counter Russian aggression.
The Republican led a bipartisan delegation of House members marking the 25th anniversary of Lithuania's independence.
Their visit came as the U.S. and NATO allies have criticized Russia for its increasingly aggressive actions, including backing separatist troops on Ukraine's eastern border. The U.S. has announced plans to offer tanks and other equipment to six former Soviet bloc nations, including Lithuania, to help counter the threat.
Boehner says Congress is working to ensure that Lithuania and other countries in the region get the tangible assistance they need. He said Congress also is working to expedite natural gas exports to Europe.
