Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, along with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), discussed the Senate's bipartisan national security supplemental package in a press call today.
During the call, Senator Murray highlighted the key provisions of the package. She emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine in its struggle against Putin's invasion, stating, "As Ukraine runs low on ammunition to fend off Putin's brutal invasion, we need to finally extend our support." The bill allocates $60 billion for Ukraine, demonstrating a bipartisan supermajority of Congress ready to assist our Ukrainian allies.
Senator Murray also stressed the need to provide aid to innocent civilians caught in conflicts around the world. She expressed concern for the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza and announced that the package includes $10 billion for humanitarian assistance. Additionally, the bill includes approximately $2.3 billion to support Ukrainians displaced by Putin's aggression and other refugees fleeing persecution.
In line with their commitments to allies, the package provides $14.1 billion in security assistance for Israel and $4.8 billion to support allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific, deterring aggression by the Chinese government.
Acknowledging the need for compromise in a divided government, Senator Murray mentioned the inclusion of a bipartisan set of border policy changes in the package. She stated, "Democrats negotiated in good faith over many weeks" and allocated over $20 billion to address existing operational needs at the nation's borders, resource new border policies, and combat the flow of fentanyl and other narcotics.
Senator Murray emphasized the urgency of passing this supplemental package and supporting Ukraine. She warned against the consequences of inaction, stating, "Failing to pass this supplemental and failing to support Ukraine is nothing short of throwing in the towel to Putin." She called on her colleagues to support the legislation, highlighting the seriousness and bipartisan nature of the bill.
In conclusion, Senator Murray thanked the Republicans who engaged seriously in the negotiations, emphasizing that bipartisanship is the only path forward. She expressed her eagerness for further debate and votes on the floor this week.
The Senate Appropriations Committee has released the full text of the bipartisan national security supplemental package. The legislation aims to provide support to Ukraine, address humanitarian crises, ensure the security of allies, and implement necessary border policy changes.
Source: Committee on Appropriations | Room S-128, The Capitol, Washington, D.C. 20510 | (202) 224-7363
