NEW: Shaheen Ushers Numerous National Security Measures through Senate Foreign Relations Committee

**Shaheen’s bipartisan bill to increase global cooperation in fight against synthetic drug trafficking clears pivotal committee hurdle**

**The only woman on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Shaheen also successfully pushes through her bipartisan resolution in support of Ukrainian women on the frontlines of the humanitarian crisis and war efforts against Russia & her bipartisan resolution designating an official International Women’s Day**

**Legislation cosponsored by Shaheen recognizing Moldova for its leadership in aid to Ukraine & in support of Finland and Sweden’s accession into NATO also pass the Senate Foreign Relations Committee**

(Washington, D.C.) — U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), the only woman on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Chair of the SFRC Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation, issued the following statement after several bills spearheaded and supported by Shaheen cleared a pivotal committee hurdle:

“While divisions in Congress often make most of the headlines, there are a number of issues that unite us and where important work – and progress – happens every day. The legislation that the Senate Foreign Relations Committee cleared this morning reaffirms that. I appreciate the support lawmakers showed today to advance my legislation, which speaks to an array of national security priorities: combating the trafficking of fentanyl, recognizing the heroism of Ukrainian women on the frontlines of the war, as well as bills I cosponsored to increase support for NATO and our partners in the region amid Putin’s unprovoked war in Ukraine,” said Shaheen.

She continued, “I’m particularly glad to have good-faith partners like Senator Portman and others who have worked with me to push these important measures through the Senate. My fentanyl trafficking legislation with Senator Portman is pivotal to addressing a major source of the deadly substance use disorder epidemic that’s gripped New Hampshire and communities across the nation, and my bipartisan resolution with every woman of the Senate sends a powerful message to the global community that the United States stands firmly with Ukrainian heroes on the frontlines who are fighting for their freedom and democratic values worldwide. The other resolutions I worked to clear this important committee hurdle convey a similar, united message – from demonstrating robust support for Finland and Sweden’s accession into NATO to commending our partners in Moldova for opening their borders and providing safety to Ukrainian refugees. These resolutions underscore the solidarity and strength of our global community in the face of Putin’s belligerence. I’m encouraged by the committee’s work today and will continue to work across the aisle to advance additional measures that enhance key U.S. foreign policy priorities.”

The following bills led and supported by Shaheen include:

• Fighting Emerging Narcotics Through Additional Nations to Yield Lasting (FENTANYL) Results Act: This bipartisan legislation authored by Senator Shaheen and Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) would increase global cooperation in the fight against synthetic drug trafficking. It would authorize two programs through the State Department that would build foreign law enforcement capacity to detect synthetic drugs and certain precursor chemicals, and carry out an international exchange program for drug demand reduction experts. After clearing the committee, it will next head to the Senate floor for consideration.
• Resolution in support of Ukrainian women on the frontlines of the humanitarian crisis and war efforts against Russia: In April, Shaheen led a bipartisan group of women Senators on this resolution, which recognizes women’s roles in all aspects of the defense of Ukraine and the preservation of Ukraine’s freedom. The resolution recognizes that women are often the targets of deliberate violence during conflicts, which is evident through Russia’s attacks on maternity wards and use of rape as a weapon of war. This resolution calls on all countries to provide aid to refugees and support women in Ukraine who are keeping families and children safe, delivering supplies and weapons, administering medical care, fighting as part of the armed forces and more. The resolution will now await Senate floor consideration.
• International Women’s Day: Senator Shaheen drove her bipartisan resolution with Senator Collins (R-ME) through the committee today, which recognizes International Women’s Day and honors the achievements of women and girls around the globe. The resolution also underscores the significant barriers that still stand in the way of women’s full equality and achievement.
• Bipartisan Resolution Commending Moldova’s Leadership in Support of Ukrainian Refugees: Bipartisan legislation cosponsored by Shaheen commending Moldova for its extraordinary efforts in supporting Ukrainian refugees fleeing Putin’s illegal war against Ukraine and expressing support for Moldova’s sovereignty and ongoing reforms passed the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. This resolution is led by Senators Ron Johnson (R-WI), Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Jim Risch (R-ID).
• Bipartisan Resolution in Support of Finland and Sweden’s Accession into NATO: A bipartisan resolution cosponsored by Senator Shaheen in support of Finland and Sweden’s accession into NATO unanimously cleared the committee this morning.

Shaheen, a member of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, leads action in the U.S. Senate in support of Ukraine in response to Vladimir Putin’s belligerence, which also threatens the stability and security of Eastern Europe and NATO allies. Shaheen recently led a bipartisan congressional delegation with Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) to the Balkans to convey continued U.S. support for its allies amid Russian aggression against Ukraine and the implications for European security in the region. In addition, legislation co-led by Shaheen to speed up military assistance to Ukraine and Eastern European nations was recently signed into law. In February, Shaheen led a successful bipartisan effort with Portman to pass a resolution that conveys a renewed and overwhelmingly bipartisan message from the U.S. Senate in fierce support of Ukraine. Earlier this year, Shaheen and Portman led a bipartisan delegation to Ukraine, where they met with President Zelenskyy and members of his administration. Before the Shaheen-Portman congressional delegation visit to Ukraine in January, Shaheen led a bipartisan group of lawmakers to Eastern Europe, including Ukraine, last June. Last month, Shaheen led a bipartisan resolution with Senators Johnson, Menendez and Jim Risch commending Moldova for its extraordinary efforts to aid Ukrainian refugees and to express support for its sovereignty and ongoing pro-democratic reforms.

Later this month, Shaheen will lead a bipartisan congressional delegation with Senate NATO Observer Group co-chair Thom Tillis (R-NC) to the NATO Summit in Spain.