Key Panel Calls on House to Quickly Pass Ukraine Aid Package

House Urged by Key Panel to Swiftly Approve Ukraine Aid Package

April 18, 2024 TruthUSA

During Appropriations’ Defense Subcommittee hearing, Republican leaders emphasized that failing to assist Kyiv in resisting Russian aggression will only embolden other adversarial nations like China, Iran, and North Korea.

House conservatives have blocked proposed additional funding for Ukraine since last fall. However, their reasons for delaying military aid to Kyiv were not well-received during an April 17 defense budget hearing before a crucial appropriations panel.

Referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ambitions to restore the old Soviet Union, House Armed Services Committee Chair Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) stated, highlighting the importance of supporting Eastern European nations in the face of these threats. He warned that failing to help them would only further Putin’s goals and potentially lead to a dangerous military conflict.

Rep. Jake Ellzey (R-Texas) emphasized the necessity of the proposed supplemental package to assist Ukraine in defending itself. He mentioned that providing this aid is crucial to preventing American casualties in potential conflicts with Russia.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stressed that supporting Ukraine is not just about that nation but also has broader implications. He warned that if Russia succeeds in Ukraine, it would embolden other aggressive nations, including China and Iran, as they observe how the international community responds to such actions.

During the hearing, Ukraine funding was a significant topic of discussion, as it was one of four House supplemental funding requests under consideration that day. The hearing focused on the Biden administration’s proposed $895.2 billion defense budget for Fiscal Year 2025.

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During the hearing, which was briefly interrupted by pro-Palestinian demonstrators, newly-appointed House Appropriations Chair Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) announced the introduction of separate funding bills for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.

Rep. Cole also mentioned the possibility of a fourth bill related to border security but emphasized the positive aspect of the introductions, stating that they mark progress in providing support to these nations.

Subcommittee chair Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Calif.) echoed the sentiment, calling the bill introductions a step in the right direction.

The Senate had previously passed a $95.3 billion supplemental package, allocating funds to Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and other Pacific allies. Additionally, the Senate bill included humanitarian aid for Gaza and Ukraine.

Instead of adopting the Senate’s omnibus supplemental package, House Speaker Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) announced that the House would consider three separate bills to provide assistance to Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific region.

To address concerns from conservative members, including the House Freedom Caucus, Republican House leaders, such as Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.), proposed modifications to the supplemental expenditures and suggested structuring aid to Ukraine as a loan.

U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) speaks as Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) listens during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Nov. 17, 2022. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Bipartisan Consensus

During the hearing, Republicans unanimously supported the supplemental funding bills without opposition, emphasizing the importance of swiftly approving these measures.

Key Republican figures had already endorsed the plan in a joint statement, supporting the quick passage of the “full national security supplemental.”

Democrats raised concerns about opposition within the House to funding Ukraine, urging their colleagues to understand the severity of the situation and the dangers of neglecting support for Kyiv.

Democratic Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minn.) highlighted the economic benefits and national security advantages of the supplemental bills, emphasizing the importance of supporting Ukraine, Taiwan, Israel, and bolstering the defense industry.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin underscored the urgency of providing aid to Ukraine to counter Russian aggression. He stressed the need to act swiftly, citing the shifting dynamics on the battlefield and the significance of supporting Kyiv with the necessary resources.

Mr. Austin called on the House to pass the supplemental package quickly, emphasizing that time is of the essence as Putin aims to exploit any uncertainty regarding U.S. intentions.

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