Schumer urges Johnson to pass Ukraine aid bill

If Ukraine does not receive necessary military armaments, they risk losing the ongoing battle against Russia’s invasion, according to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., on Thursday.

Schumer delivered a plea to House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., on the Senate floor, citing Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s warning during Schumer’s recent trip to Ukraine. Zelenskyy emphasized the crucial need for aid to secure victory in the war.

“Zelenskyy told me directly,” Schumer stated, “if Ukraine gets the aid they need, they will win the war. If they don’t get those armaments, they will almost certainly lose.”

Despite dwindling resources, Schumer praised the unwavering resolve of the Ukrainian people.

“I can assure you, that after meeting with President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people, their resolve to win the war is stronger than ever,” he declared. “Russian advancements have come simply because the Ukrainians are running out of ammunition.”

He emphasized the critical importance of providing aid promptly to prevent catastrophic consequences.

“If we don’t provide this aid ASAP, not only will Ukraine lose the war, but the United States will lose out to the Putins, the Xis, and other autocratic heads of state,” Schumer cautioned, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin and China’s leader Xi Jinping.

“This is a true turning point for America — for our strength, for our credibility on the world stage, for our national security.

“Speaker Johnson, please don’t shrink from this moment. Let this supplemental bill — which passed with 70 votes here in the Senate — move forward. History is watching you.”

The House is facing pressure to pass a $95 billion national security package that includes enhanced aid for Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, and the Indo-Pacific.

Although the Senate has approved the legislation with a 70-29 vote, Johnson has hesitated to bring it to a vote in the House due to conservative objections regarding foreign aid and border policies.