Press Releases
Dr. Bucshon’s Statement on Passage of National Security Supplemental Appropriations
Washington,
April 20, 2024
WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-IN-08) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed a national security supplemental appropriations package, which will provide resources to Israel, Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific, and address other national security matters: “I came of age during the presidency of Ronald Reagan, and I believe as he did that the only real way to achieve peace is through strength. Unfortunately, the Biden Administration’s disastrous foreign policy has projected American weakness around the globe and resulted in a world where our enemies have been emboldened and our allies have been put at risk,” said Dr. Bucshon. “This security supplemental package provides critical resources that will reassert strong American leadership in the world and ensure that our allies have the ability to defend themselves, helping prevent what are currently current regional conflicts abroad from turning into larger conflicts ultimately requiring American troops to be deployed on the ground. We are ultimately safer here at home when America projects strength in the world.” On Ukraine Aid “Helping Ukraine win its fight against Russia is squarely in the best interest of the American people and our national security. Vladimir Putin’s ambition doesn’t stop in Ukraine, but you don’t have to take my word for it. Putin has made clear his designs are much larger, seeking to reestablish the Russian Empire and Soviet-era dominance over Eastern Europe. If Ukraine falls, Putin’s sights will be set on the Baltic nations and Poland – all of which are NATO members. The minute Russian troops set foot in one of these NATO countries, U.S. troops would be on the ground to help defend our NATO allies. The easiest – and most taxpayer-friendly – way to prevent a larger conflict in Europe directly involving U.S. troops is to provide Ukraine with the resources it needs to win this war on its own.” On Securing the U.S. Southern Border “President Biden’s failure to secure the southern border and allow millions upon millions of illegal immigrants who are coming from nations around the world – including individuals from China, Iran, and other adversaries. In his failure to properly secure the southern border, President Biden has put our national security here at home at risk. That is why House Republicans acted early in 2022 to pass H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act, which is the strongest border security and immigration enforcement legislation to date. Unfortunately, this legislation has been sitting on Senator Schumer’s desk for almost a year without further action; event if it did somehow pass the Senate, President Biden would veto it. Securing our southern border AND assisting our allies – including Ukraine – are not mutually exclusive. Doing both would make us safer at home and benefit our national security and it’s unfortunate that President Biden and Senate Democrats won’t help make H.R. 2 the law of the land,” said Dr. Bucshon. “This isn’t the outcome House Republicans would want if Republicans controlled the Senate and the White House, but it’s the best outcome we can get in divided government given that we only control one-half of one-third of the federal government. We could pass H.R. 2 every day from now until election day, but it won’t change the fact that President Biden and Senate Democrats simply aren’t interested in securing the border. The only way to help pave the way to passing real border security legislation into law is for the American people to change who is in charge of the Senate and the White House in November at the ballot box.” BACKGROUND ON NATIONAL SECURITY SUPPLEMENTAL THE ISRAEL SECURITY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024 This section totals $26.38 billion to support Israel in its effort to defend itself against Iran and its proxies, and to reimburse U.S. military operations in response to recent attacks. • $4 billion to replenish Iron Dome and David’s Sling missile defense systems. • $1.2 billion for the Iron Beam defense system. • $3.5 billion for the procurement of advanced weapons systems, defense articles, and defense services through the Foreign Military Financing Program. • $1 billion to enhance the production and development of artillery and critical munitions. • $4.4 billion to replenish defense articles and defense services provided to Israel. • $2.4 billion for current U.S. military operations in response to recent attacks. • $9 billion for worldwide humanitarian aid. • Provides $400 million to help secure non-profit institutions in America, including from increased threats of antisemitism. • Provides flexibility for transfers of defense articles to Israel from U.S. stockpiles. • Prohibits funds to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). THE UKRAINE SECURITY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024 The section totals $60.8 billion to address the conflict in Ukraine and assist our regional partners as they counter Russia, $48.3 billion (or 79%) of which will fund the U.S. defense industrial base. • Converts all financial assistance to Ukraine’s government into a loan. • Requires the Administration to submit to Congress within 45 days a strategy establishing specific and achievable objectives, with metrics, that define and prioritize U.S. national security interests. • Bolsters oversight through in-person monitoring requirements. • Requires partners and allies to pay their fair share through cost-matching requirements. • Increases the fiscal limits on several Presidential drawdown authorities. • $13.4 billion to replenish American defense stockpiles. • $7.3 billion for current U.S. military operations in the region. • $13.9 billion for the procurement of advanced weapons systems, defense articles, and defense services. • $13.7 billion for purchasing U.S. defense systems for Ukraine. • $26 million for oversight and accountability of aid and equipment provided to Ukraine. THE INDO-PACIFIC SECURITY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024 The section totals $8.12 billion to continue efforts to counter communist China and ensure a strong deterrence in the region. • $3.3 billion to develop submarine infrastructure, including investments in dry dock construction. • $2 billion in Foreign Military Financing Program for Taiwan and other key allies and security partners in the Indo-Pacific confronting Chinese aggression. • $1.9 billion to replenish defense articles and defense services provided to Taiwan and regional partners. • $542 million to strengthen U.S. military capabilities in the region. • $133 million to enhance the production of artillery and critical munitions. • Provides additional flexibility for Foreign Military Financing loans and loan guarantees. THE 21st CENTURY PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH ACT To bolster the resources provided in the House national security supplemental, the 21st Century Peace rough Strength Act will implement strong sanctions and policies to counter Iran, China and Russia. Iran:
Russia:
China:
Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. represents Indiana’s 8th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives and is a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. ### |