In a move that would make it easier for the United States to supply military gear to Ukraine as it faces the ongoing Russian invasion, President Biden signed a bill on Monday.
Biden was joined by Vice President Harris for the occasion.
The legislation, known informally as the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022, received bipartisan support when it was approved by the House of Representatives last month.
Support For Ukrainians
Biden reaffirmed the United States’ support for the Ukrainians “in their fight to protect their country and their democracy against Putin’s savage war on their country and freedoms.”
President Biden signs bill designed to get US military aid to Ukraine more swiftly as he blames Russia for bringing "destruction into Europe" https://t.co/SJ3YozHHJI
— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) May 9, 2022
“Ukrainians battle for their lives on a daily basis,” Biden stated. “Living in fear of being attacked is not an inexpensive option, but giving in to aggression is even more expensive.”
According to the bill, which was filed by Sens. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Ben Cardin (D-MD), the United States can lend Ukraine and other Eastern European partners military equipment while streamlining the procedure to make it more convenient.
The legislation reinstates a policy from World War II that assisted in the defeat of Nazi Germany.
The signing of the bill was applauded by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“Today’s passage of the Lend-Lease Act is a watershed moment in American history. I am confident we will triumph once more as a team. We will also stand up for democracy in Ukraine, as well as in Europe, like 77 years ago,” Zelensky wrote on Twitter.
Passed in the Senate
The bill was passed by voice vote in the Senate and later by a bipartisan vote of 417 to 10 in the House last month. Republicans accounted for all ten of the “no” votes cast in the House.
The United States has dispatched military and other security support to Ukraine at a breakneck pace.
This comes as Ukraine has tried to fight back against Russian strikes on major cities, such as Kyiv and, more recently, on the southern and eastern regions of the country.
Earlier this week, President Biden revealed his intentions to provide another $150 million in military assistance to Ukraine. This, according to the administration, has nearly exhausted the funding allowed by Congress.
Congressional Democrats are preparing a plan that would boost President Joe Biden’s requested $33 billion Ukraine aid package to nearly $40 billion, two people familiar with the plans said. A House vote is possible as soon as Tuesday.https://t.co/T9ebwqYIHu
— The Associated Press (@AP) May 9, 2022
In March, lawmakers approved a total of $13.6 billion in security, economic, and humanitarian assistance for Ukraine.
The White House is now asking senators to approve a huge $33 billion in aid to help Ukraine keep fighting Russia over the next few months.
This is also meant to help deal with the problem of refugees and the economic effects of the war in the region and around the world.
In the end, the bill passed is welcoming. However, the impact of the proposed $33 billion bill would be immense. What are your thoughts about this?
