Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed a $95.3 billion foreign aid package that includes assistance for Ukraine, Israel and Gaza, and Taiwan:
“Today, I was proud to vote to send desperately needed weapons and ammunition to our brave allies in Ukraine as they continue to defend their freedom from (Vladimir)Putin’s unjust invasion. Importantly, this bill will allow us to immediately transfer crucial weapons and ammunition to Ukraine and replenish our own stockpiles later. This legislation also allows the U.S. to begin using seized Russian assets to help fund humanitarian and economic assistance which will be critical as Ukraine rebuilds after the war.
“While I’m relieved Congress has finally broken through Republican dysfunction to deliver this critical assistance, it is shameful that it took this long to stand up for democracy – especially when we know China is sending masses of warfighting material and equipment to Putin.
“It’s also crucial that we will be providing resources – especially defensive weapons – to Israel as it defends itself from Hamas and other Iranian-backed terrorist groups, as well as billions of dollars in humanitarian assistance for Gaza so that we can provide overdue life-saving assistance to innocent civilians endangered by this war and by other conflicts around the world.
“The world needs an America that doesn’t hide from its responsibility to stand up for human and democratic values, and I’m glad this package delivers on that promise.”
—Office of Congressman Bill Foster