. During the Defense Subcommittee hearing of the Appropriations, Republican leaders emphasized that failing to assist Kyiv in resisting Russia could empower China, Iran, and North Korea. House conservatives have been obstructing proposed additional funding for Ukraine since last fall. However, their reasoning for further delays in providing military aid to Kyiv was not well-received during an April 17 defense budget hearing before a crucial appropriations panel. House Armed Services Committee Chair Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) highlighted the importance of supporting Eastern European nations, especially Ukraine, in the face of Putin’s ambitions to restore the old Soviet Union. He warned that if the US fails to assist them, it could lead to further aggression from Russia.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin emphasized that the consequences of a Russian victory in Ukraine would embolden aggressors worldwide, including China, Iran, and others. The hearing, which saw interruptions from pro-Palestinian demonstrators, revealed that individual supplemental funding bills for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan had been introduced. House leaders, including Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.), are working to address objections from some conservatives by proposing to reduce supplemental expenditures and structure aid to Ukraine as a loan. The bipartisan consensus among Republicans on the need for these supplemental funding bills was evident during the hearing, with unanimous support for their swift adoption. Democrats, however, raised concerns about delays in approving the bills, emphasizing the importance of supporting Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel to strengthen national security.
Austin emphasized that the supplemental package is an investment in the industrial base by maintaining a demand for weapons and munitions made by American industry, which translates to good jobs for Americans.
He stressed the urgent need for support in Ukraine, noting that the current situation on the battlefield is shifting in Russia’s favor and will continue unless Kyiv receives the necessary materials and weapons.
Mr. Austin urged the House to swiftly pass the package as time is of the essence, with Putin taking advantage of any uncertainty regarding U.S. resolve.
