In the wake of Putin’s invasion over two years ago, the people of Ukraine have been valiantly defending their homeland. A geographically much smaller nation than Russia, they have exceeded all expectations in this war and continue to bravely defend themselves. But they are literally running out of bullets. The resources we are providing Ukraine will help ensure this war does not further progress into eastern Europe where our NATO allies and our own troops are.
A summary of the aid to Ukraine can be found here.
Responding to Iran’s attack against Israel
As I have shared in the past, Hamas is a heinous terrorist organization that has no role in a future Palestinian state. Hamas must immediately release all remaining hostages and cease attacks on civilian populations. This cycle of violence and suffering must end which is why I continue to call for a negotiated and sustainable ceasefire. While efforts towards that ceasefire are ongoing, it’s important that Israel is able to defend itself from attacks like we saw Iran conduct against it one week ago today.
A summary of the aid to Israel can be found here.
Providing humanitarian aid to the dire situation in Gaza and beyond
The famine in Gaza makes the need for a ceasefire all the more immediate and acute. Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7 and the response by Prime Minister Netanyahu in the months that have ensued are incredibly concerning. In case you haven’t seen it, read my recent statement on this ongoing situation.
As part of this national security package, I made it clear that a bill without humanitarian aid was a “non-starter” for me and for so many of my colleagues. I’m glad to see there was substantial humanitarian aid included and that this aid also passed by a large margin.
Defending our Indo-Pacific partner, Taiwan
As a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I know that China’s President, Xi Jinping, is watching what happens in Ukraine and other democratic nations very closely as it relates to our commitment to our allies and to the fate of Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific.
That’s why I was also grateful to see this package think strategically about global security by also providing resources to strengthen defenses in the Indo-Pacific region.
A summary of the aid for Indo-Pacific security can be found here.
Bipartisan success and my message to Speaker Johnson and Leader Jeffries
As a third-generation veteran, the idea of putting country over party is not an empty talking point to me. It’s how I approach every decision I make as our representative in Congress. Today, Speaker Mike Johnson and Leader Hakeem Jeffries put country over party and advanced our national security priorities. Speaker Johnson knew that his fate as Speaker may be in the balance. And all along, Leader Jeffries continues to prioritize effective governing, compromise and reason. As I said in my MSNBC interview, I hope this experience will ultimately be a model for future progress on challenges such as the southern border, our broken immigration system, and other pressing issues.
