On February 24, 2022, Vladimir Putin launched an unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine. Today, the people of Ukraine are still standing strong against his invasion, and I will always stand with them in their fight for freedom.

Russian tyranny and aggression threaten more than just Ukraine’s borders. We learned in Georgia and in Crimea – if you stand by while Russia takes an inch, they will take a mile. Vladimir Putin must be held accountable for upending Europe’s security and peacetime for a pointless and bloody war which has undermined Ukrainian sovereignty, taken the lives of innocent civilians, disrupted energy markets, and triggered food insecurity around the world. 

Ukraine’s fight for democracy and sovereignty requires decisive action and unwavering support from the free world. Their fight for freedom is a fight to protect the institution of democracy. That is why we must act like the leaders of the free world and support Ukraine’s right to defend itself. In these trying times, we must not abandon our position as the world’s beacon of democratic values. Russia’s aggression must be met by unified support for Ukraine – their force must be met with our strength. 

Supporting Ukraine promotes our national security. We will pay much higher of a price if we do not stand up to Putin and other countries like Iran – their aggression and tyranny cannot and will not prevail. 

Appeasement cannot be an option. Appeasing Putin did not work in Georgia or Crimea, and it will not work in Ukraine. Throughout the 1930s, world superpowers tried to avoid conflict with Hitler by allowing him to expand German territory in Europe unchecked. Germany invaded Austria and Czechoslovakia, with no response from world powers in an attempt to “maintain peace.” Appeasement does not work with a ruthless tyrant, especially one like Vladimir Putin, whose forces have illegally used explosive weapons, committed indiscriminate attacks on hospitals and schools, and tortured and executed civilians. The world saw what appeasement led to in 1938 – a cascading murderous result, and we cannot allow the same outcome today.

As Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, I remain committed to ensuring Ukraine has the necessary resources to defend its independence. I will work with my colleagues in Congress to ensure they are capable of prevailing against Putin’s tyranny. As Chair of the House Appropriations Committee last Congress, I led passage of four supplemental bills and two appropriations packages that included over $113 billion in security assistance for Ukraine. This funding has been critical to their success against Russia, and I remain supportive of additional resources for our allies as they continue their fearless fight for democracy.

On September 30th, the House passed a continuing resolution that averted a government shutdown. It keeps the government open for 45 days at 2023 funding levels while the final 2024 funding bills are worked out. House Democrats prevented a government shutdown, provided much-needed funding for disaster relief, and stopped extreme House Republicans from harming our economy and hurting children, families, seniors, and veterans.

Funding for Ukraine was taken out of this legislation by House Republicans. Not including funding for Ukraine will have serious consequences. Department of Defense officials have repeatedly stressed the need for this funding. Undersecretary of Defense Mike McCord wrote to Members of Congress stating, “without additional funding now, we would have to delay or curtail assistance to meet Ukraine’s urgent requirements, including for air defense and ammunition that are critical and urgent now as Russia prepares to conduct a winter offensive and continues its bombardment of Ukrainian cities.”

He continued, “Delays to additional funding would also be perceived by Ukraine as a sign of wavering U.S. support and likely as a betrayal of our previous commitments. Allies and partners are also unlikely to sustain their increased level of support without clear, continuing U.S. leadership. As you know, Secretary Austin successfully engages over 50 nations every month to press for sustained support. It is crucial that the U.S. continues to lead this global coalition, and we need the resources to underwrite our leadership role.”

Ukraine’s struggle endures, but I am proud that their country remains free and determined to repel Russian aggression. Ukrainians are on the frontline of efforts to stop a tyrannical and genocidal dictator bent on expanding his own power. They are united behind President Zelensky. His leadership and bravery in the fight against tyranny is awe inspiring. We must ensure that Ukraine does not falter by being strong partners in their work to defend global democracy.

I proudly stand with the free people of independent Ukraine, today, tomorrow, and every day. In whatever government funding bill that the House passes next, we must ensure we honor our commitment to the people of Ukraine.

Slava Ukraini!

                                                                                                Sincerely,



                                                                                                Member of Congress