Senator Patty Murray, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has urged Senate Republicans to move forward on the national security supplemental bill. In her speech on the Senate floor, Senator Murray emphasized the importance of timely action in responding to urgent challenges across the world.
Murray expressed concern about the potential message of weakness that delays in passing the bill could send to adversaries. She stated, "We cannot afford delays that tell our adversaries they can just wait us out." Murray emphasized the need for comprehensive action that demonstrates unwavering support for allies and a commitment to national security.
Addressing Republican criticisms of the bill, Murray highlighted the urgency of funding for issues that have broad, bipartisan support. She stated, "When you have a bill like this one with funding that is urgently needed for issues that have really broad, bipartisan support... you don't vote down the bill because you weren't able to attach your partisan wish list to it."
Murray specifically emphasized the crucial aid provided by the bill to Ukraine. She warned that failing to pass the bill would leave Ukraine with fewer resources and potentially strengthen Russia's position. Murray stressed the military reality on the ground, stating, "Ukraine's success on the battlefield depends on its air defenses...which they won't get without this package." She emphasized the catastrophic consequences of leaving a U.S. ally weakened due to a lack of commitment.
In addition to aid for Ukraine, the bill also includes security assistance for Israel in the aftermath of Hamas attacks and humanitarian aid for Gaza. Murray emphasized the importance of supporting allies and promoting stability in the region. She noted that providing humanitarian aid is not only the right thing to do but also crucial in combating hopelessness and extremism.
The bill also includes investments in the Indo-Pacific to strengthen allies and deter adversaries. Murray highlighted the resources allocated to addressing border security and stopping the flow of fentanyl. She urged her colleagues to support the bill, stating, "This bill is made up of basic, bipartisan priorities...and they all have broad support here in the Senate!"
Murray concluded her speech by emphasizing the need to address the growing crisis of child care and to continue working on other urgent issues in a bipartisan manner.
Senator Murray's call for action on the national security supplemental bill comes at a critical time when the eyes of the world are watching how the U.S. responds to pressing security challenges. The bill, with its broad, bipartisan support, aims to provide essential aid to allies, promote stability in the region, and address urgent issues. It is now up to Senate Republicans to decide whether to move forward and demonstrate their commitment to national security and the well-being of allies.
Click this link to access more information: https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/news/majority/murray-on-senate-republicans-blocking-security-supplemental
