WASHINGTON – Today, Sens. Chuck Grassley
(R-Iowa) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) introduced bipartisan
legislation that seeks to replace weapons, ammunition and other defense equipment
provided to Ukraine by certain NATO countries. Specifically, the bill would
authorize the Department of Defense (DoD) to transfer equipment to lower-income
NATO countries to quickly fortify their defense capabilities. The legislation
would promise to backfill past and future donations, encouraging donations of
additional capabilities.
“Thankfully, many of our NATO allies
stepped up to the plate and immediately delivered critical weapons and supplies
to Ukraine. To deter any potential further invasion or aggression from Putin,
and to facilitate delivery of additional weapons systems to Ukraine so it can
expel the invaders, it’s important to replenish arms and ammunition quickly –
especially in eastern Europe. Putin’s actions have been increasingly unhinged,
and during this uncertain time, it’s especially important for the U.S. to stand
strongly with our allies in the region,” Grassley
said.
“The resilience of the Ukrainian people
is unparalleled, as they continue to show Putin that they are not willing to
hand over their country’s future,” said
Durbin. “Today I’m leading a
bipartisan bill with Senator Grassley to ensure that we continue to support our
NATO partners who are providing Ukrainians on the frontlines with critically
needed security aid.”
While many countries on NATO’s eastern
flank were quick to get lethal aid to Ukrainians at the onset of Russia’s
invasion, many of these countries need these weapons to deter and defend
against possible Russian aggression. Furthermore, some NATO countries have
weapons – like Soviet-era air defense systems and Turkish-made drones – that
could be very useful to Ukraine going forward. However, failing to replace
these weapons if donated would leave serious security gaps.
Grassley and Durbin’s proposal would
backfill arms donated by lower-income NATO countries. This would both fix
security gaps in frontline NATO countries from existing donations, and it would
encourage further donation of high impact systems that could make a significant
difference in the next phase of the war to ensure Ukrainian victory.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) is also a
cosponsor of the legislation.
Read more about Grassley’s work to
support Ukraine and punish Russia by clicking
HERE.
Read the full bill text by clicking
HERE.
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