WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) will vote for an aid package that will replenish the U.S. arsenal and fortify our military in Europe. It will also provide Ukrainians with additional arms and ammunition as Putin continues murdering innocent people in his unjust war.
 
“Every day, brave Ukrainian soldiers are preventing Putin from posing a bigger threat to the region and the West by stopping his unquenchable thirst for power. Supporting this effort is in our national security interests, and we can do it without putting Americans in harm’s way.
 
“While we must tackle challenges at home, we can’t ignore threats abroad. Make no mistake: Putin is a threat.
 
“Just as this administration’s failure to secure the southern border has encouraged more illegal immigration, failing to support Ukraine’s sovereignty will only encourage further aggression by Russia and embolden others, like China.
 
“President Biden should be as concerned about breaches of our U.S. border as he is about Ukraine’s border. Both are national security and humanitarian crises and neither should be ignored. My colleagues and I will continue doing our part – including by demanding a vote to uphold Title 42.
 
“When it comes to a murdering thug like Putin, history shows us that waiting too long to act can have devastating consequences. That’s why we must continue sending humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine while also fortifying our military. A Ukrainian victory will put Russia in its place and make other countries, namely China, think twice before taking aggressive military actions of their own. In these moments, it’s our responsibility to support peace and preserve a stable world for future generations,” Grassley said.
 
Below is a breakdown of how the aid package will be allocated:
 
  • Roughly 25 percent of the funds allocated will be used to replenish U.S. weapons stockpiles of items already donated to Ukraine;
  • A combined total of roughly 40 percent will be used to fortify our military, both at home and in Europe; and
  • Roughly 50 percent will go to supplying specific equipment needed by Ukraine’s military and NATO frontline allies and to meet humanitarian needs of Ukrainians suffering from Russian attacks.
 
Grassley has led a number of efforts to support Ukraine and punish Russia. He backed an effort to investigate Putin for war crimes which passed the Senate unanimously in March. Grassley has pressed President Biden’s national security advisor on the speed, specifics and supply of lethal aid provided to Ukraine. Additionally, Grassley joined his colleagues to introduce sanctions legislation, including proposals to limit Putin and his cronies’ access to American capital and to reauthorize a sanctions law aimed at human rights violators.
 
Read more about Grassley’s efforts on Ukraine HERE.
 

-30-