Shaheen Statement After National Security Supplemental Package Passes Congress, Heads to President Biden’s Desk
(Washington, DC) - U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations, Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, released the following statement after Congress passed the national security supplemental funding package to provide aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan and provide humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza and other vulnerable populations:
“Finally—after months of obstruction—House Republicans joined with the Senate to pass the bipartisan national security supplemental funding package that will provide defense equipment and economic support for Ukraine, strengthen U.S. deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, save lives by sending humanitarian aid to critical places around the globe and boost the U.S. defense industrial base that supports many good jobs.
“Ukraine is on the front line of the fight for democracy and freedom—the war is at a critical juncture, and the Ukrainians need this aid immediately. Sustaining U.S. support for Ukraine’s fight against Russia and proving to the world that democracies stand together is the best way to deal a blow to the authoritarians in the People’s Republic of China, Iran and North Korea. Our adversaries are watching closely, and if Putin is successful in Ukraine, it kicks the door wide open for them to act, too. We cannot allow that to happen.
“America doesn’t back down when it’s called upon to defend freedom. Sending these resources to Ukraine now provides our allies and partners around the world with the proven assurances that the United States can be counted on. I look forward to President Biden swiftly signing this bill into law to further prove our nation’s steadfast commitment to Ukraine and to the ideals of democracy and freedom.”
Senator Shaheen has long advocated for additional aid to Ukraine and comprehensive legislation to address our national security interests. As recently as last week, Shaheen pushed for this support and for the House to act. She joined with her colleagues to introduce bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act, which would allow the President to enter into lend-lease agreements with Ukraine to provide additional categories of military equipment to protect civilians. Earlier this year, Shaheen penned an editorial in the Boston Globe, urging her colleagues to support this agreement and continue to supply Ukraine with the aid they need to continue to repel Putin’s illegal invasion.
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