Responding to the continued Russian invasion of Ukraine, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., brought out a bill “to provide security, humanitarian, and economic assistance to Ukraine and NATO allies assisting Ukraine” which will “fulfill President Biden’s urgent request for $6.4 billion in funding for the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Department of State to respond to the crisis caused by Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.”
Rubio weighed in on why he introduced the appropriations bill.
“The Ukrainian people have displayed immeasurable courage in the face of Putin’s barbaric attack,” Rubio said. “Ukrainians are asking for support, including weapons, ammunition, and communications equipment. They cannot wait for business as usual here in Washington, they need help right now. The United States must act quickly to ensure Ukraine’s survival, success, and future prosperity as a part of Europe.”
According to Rubio’s office, the bill will do the following:
Makes available to the Department of Defense:
$1 billion to provide the Government of Ukraine a list of weapons requested by the Ukrainian government. This includes small arms, grenade launchers, and ammunition, man-portable missiles and rockets in a ready-to-fire configuration, night vision goggles, drones, communication equipment, bullet-proof armor, rations and medical kits.
$1 billion to provide the governments of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and other NATO Allies with replacement planes, tanks, munitions, anti-air and anti-tank weaponry to both bolster their deterrence efforts against a Russian invasion and to replace equipment donated to the Government of Ukraine.
$1 billion to procure defense articles to replace those transferred to Ukraine and NATO allies.
$1 billion to enhance the Department’s capability to defend against a cyberattack originating in Russia or Belarus, that targets critical U.S. infrastructure or the U.S.’ ability to retaliate to a nuclear attack.
$400 million to the Department of Defense to deliver emergency humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. Encourages the Administration to consider the efficacy of using the military to deliver humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
Makes available to the Department of State:
$500 million to address the humanitarian needs in Ukraine due to the impact caused by Russia’s invasion. Encourages the administration to follow the guidelines of the New Partnership Initiative so that aid is directed at independent Ukrainian organizations, rather than large international organizations.
$500 million to assist refugees fleeing from Ukraine so that they are provided with adequate facilities in neighboring countries.
$500 million to rebuild Ukrainian infrastructure damaged by Putin’s invasion.
$500 million to support the revitalization of Ukraine’s economy after the invasion.
The bill was read a second time and placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders this week. So far, Rubio has not reeled in any co-sponsors.
Got it.I will be there.I’ll be there.
