WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate passed President Biden’s supplemental funding appropriations request by a bipartisan vote of 70-29:
“After Republicans blocked a bill that would secure our border safely and humanely, the Senate acted to defend our nation and aid Ukraine as it fights off a brutal Russian invasion by passing today’s national security emergency spending bill.
“As I speak, Ukrainian troops are running out of ammunition and running out of time. If Ukraine falls, Putin will move on to NATO allies in Europe and further threaten our freedom and democracy. Defending Ukraine is defending America. We must prove to our allies and partners that we are still the ‘indispensable nation’ and remain the leaders of the free world, or we risk further emboldening our adversaries.
“This national security package is about more than just Ukraine, however. It supports Israel as it defends itself against Hamas terrorists, strengthens our ability to compete with China, and provides lifesaving humanitarian assistance to those suffering from starvation in Gaza, Ukraine, and dozens of other countries around the world.
“I urge the House of Representatives to swiftly take up and pass this bill so that we can send it to the president’s desk and show the world that America is a trusted partner during these challenging times.”
Senator Coons is Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.