Gallego Statement on Passage of House Foreign Aid Package
WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations, voted to provide critical aid to U.S. allies and partners in Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific. Following the vote, he released this statement:
Statement from Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03)
“Around the world, we are seeing a struggle between democracy and autocracy that threatens America and our interests. As supporters of freedom, it is vital to our national security that the U.S. stands with our allies and partners in their fight against tyranny.
“As a combat veteran and a House Armed Services Committee leader, I have a unique understanding of what it takes to protect Arizonans and our national security more broadly. Today’s aid package is critical to achieving that mission.”
Background on Bills
Ukraine
H.R. 8035, the Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, provides $60 billion to Ukraine to defend itself against Russian aggression. This includes over $13 billion for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, additional resources to ensure oversight and accountability of the assistance, and set-asides for humanitarian aid and refugee assistance.
Rep. Gallego has been a leader in the House on supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russia, including leading a congressional delegation to Ukraine just months before the invasion and another a year after the invasion began.
Israel
H.R. 8034, the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, provides $26 billion for Israel, including over $5 billion for defensive systems such as the Iron Dome. It also provides over $9 billion for humanitarian assistance with protection to ensure funds do not end up in the hands of Hamas or other terrorists or extremists.
Additionally, the bill extends the availability of funding from the Nonprofit Security Grant Program to protect American Synagogues and community centers. In October, Rep. Gallego sent a bipartisan letter to House leadership emphasizing the importance of the Program.
Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific
H.R. 8036, the Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, provides $8 billion in assistance for the Indo-Pacific region. This includes $2 billion for Foreign Military Financing assistance for the INDOPACOM region and nearly $2 billion for Taiwan defense.