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Last Tuesday, the Senate Committee on Appropriations heard from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on President Biden’s $106 billion support package for Ukraine and Israel.
The Administration representatives made the case many have made throughout the Russian Federation’s war on Ukraine and the West including the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation’s Friends of Ukraine Network (FOUN). This explains the funding “flow(s) throughout the industrial base, creating American jobs in more than 30 states” – Austin.
Additionally, the point was made that the support being provided will improve arms production capabilities far into the future “and help ensure we are ready to tackle security challenges worldwide. And all that means greater prosperity at home and greater security around the globe.”
Austin said that of DOD’s $44.4 billion request for Ukraine, $18 billion would replenish U.S. stockpiles with U.S.-made weapons. There’s $12 billion to contract for new arms for Ukraine from American companies; $5 billion to sustain U.S. troops sent to Europe; $2.7 billion to expand and accelerate munitions production; and $1 billion for “critical defense articles,” which includes munitions.
“We would purchase American weapons and munitions from American companies to do that … And so this is buying new products, new weapons, new munitions, from American companies,” Austin said.
“So this money is going right back into the coffers of America. And it's going to create jobs. It's going to sustain jobs. And it's going to provide opportunities for Americans,” Austin said, adding that past Ukraine spending packages led to $37 billion spent in 30 states.
The Friends of Ukraine Network presented a statement to the Members of the Committee in conjunction with the hearing. It follows:
Read the Statement
