Shaheen Statement on Passage of Supplemental Legislation to Support Global Allies, Curb Flow of Fentanyl Into U.S.
(Washington, DC) - U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, today released the following statement regarding the passage of the supplemental legislation to stem the flow of fentanyl into the United States, supply additional aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan and provide humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza and other vulnerable populations.
“By passing this bill, the Senate is sending a strong message to our adversaries and allies alike that the United States stands on the side of freedom and against autocrats and terrorists. It comes at a critical time in Ukraine’s fight for democracy—and without this continued aid from the United States, Ukraine’s fight may fail. We cannot abandon them now after they’ve sacrificed so much in their fight for freedom.
“I’m proud that this legislation will also curb the flow of fentanyl into our country. In the state of New Hampshire, we have lost too many people from fentanyl overdoses, and anything that we can do to cut down on the amount of fentanyl that's coming into the United States, we ought to be doing. This bill is a step in the right direction and will help save lives.
“Now let’s be clear about how we got to this point: Republicans refused to support a bill to address our national security interests unless it included border security. For months, Democrats and Republicans negotiated in good faith and came up with a compromise that included the toughest border policy we have seen in decades. Then, in a sudden about-face, MAGA Republicans rejected the hard-fought agreement—all to appease their preferred presidential candidate, former President Trump, who wants to use the border as a campaign issue. That’s spineless and it's wrong. For that reason and that reason alone, the border security provisions are not included in this agreement.
“The hard work to get this bill to the President’s desk continues and I hope we can swiftly deliver aid to our allies and resources to stem the flow of illicit drugs into our country.”
Senator Shaheen has long advocated for additional aid to Ukraine and comprehensive legislation to address our national security interests. Shaheen advocated for additional funding for our allies and partners in Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan in October of last year. She took to the floor in November of last year to continue her advocacy for supplemental funding. Last month, Shaheen penned an OpEd 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. Earlier this month, Shaheen lauded the initial bipartisan compromise. Last week, Shaheen joined Leader Schumer and fellow Democratic Senators to discuss the importance of passing the bipartisan national security supplemental funding package and urged Republicans to support the legislation.
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