Congressman Schiff on the Passage of the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act
“Vladimir Putin's unprovoked war against Ukraine grows deadlier by the day, with thousands of Ukrainian civilians killed or injured and many more displaced by the senseless violence. To date, Congress has delivered $13.6 billion in humanitarian, military, and economic aid to Ukraine. And this aid has been put to good use, allowing the Ukrainians to fend the Russians off for more than two months. Yet we can do more to bring an end to the suffering – and we must.
“Today, Congress came together to pass the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022 on a bipartisan basis. This legislation would revive the same World War II-era program that authorizes the Pentagon and the president to more efficiently deliver military aid and other vital supplies to our allies. Ukrainians have proven themselves to be extraordinarily capable and resilient in the face of Russian aggression. And with our supplies in hand, we can help provide the means necessary to keep Vladimir Putin's forces at bay until he can no longer tolerate the cost of his bloody war.
“In the coming weeks, Congress must also pass additional supplemental spending to help Ukraine. Congress must take up President Biden’s request expeditiously, and ensure that we do our part. We will not waver in our support for Ukraine and democracy. Not ever.”
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