Majority Leader Schumer Floor Remarks On The Need To Pass Additional Support For The Ukrainian People Against Russian Aggression
Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) today spoke on the Senate floor on the need for the Senate to continue supporting Ukraine by passing supplemental aid funding and approving Bridget Brink as Ambassador to Ukraine without unnecessary delay. Below are Senator Schumer’s remarks, which can also be viewed here:
Later this week, President Biden is expected to send Congress another request for emergency funding to support the people of Ukraine in their fight against Russian aggression. When the President makes his request, the Senate should be ready to work quickly to approve this funding.
Every penny of American aid has been money well spent: this fight, in a real sense, is about tyranny vs democracy itself. It's a Manichaean struggle.
It has been two months since Vladimir Putin began his immoral and savage war against the Ukrainian people. You see the pictures. It breaks your heart. Savagery, savagery of Mr. Putin killing women and children, innocent people.
So far, though, things have gone disastrously for Russian troops, as hopes for a quick invasion have been all but dashed.
The Ukrainian people, forced into a war not of their choosing—and having suffered losses of inhumane proportions—have given Putin a much tougher fight than he ever bargained for, than he ever imagined. Outnumbered and out equipped, the bravery and valiance of the Ukrainian people remains unbroken. Putin, meanwhile, is increasingly the most isolated leader in the world – although, parenthetically, shame on the world leaders who are playing footsy with him, including China.
But the Ukrainian people still need our help.
Sadly this fight seems far from over and losses for the Ukrainian people have been severe. The United States has a moral obligation to help the Ukrainian people with the tools they need, for as long as they need them. Again, this is about tyranny vs democracy itself. In which direction will the world turn in the 21st century?
Once the President makes his request to Congress, approving additional aid for Ukraine will be a must. I expect both sides to work with swift, bipartisan cooperation to get it done.
I also expect the Senate to move quickly on the nomination of President Biden’s choice for our ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget Brink.
Ms. Brink’s nomination is terrific news that comes at a critical moment. She is deeply experienced, she has already won bipartisan support in this chamber, and is very much needed as the US seeks to strengthen our diplomatic ties to the war-torn nation.
Ms. Brink’s nomination will be a top priority for the Senate once she comes before the chamber.
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