Gerald E. 'Gerry' Connolly

09/17/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/17/2024 14:49

Connolly Joins Letter to Speaker Johnson Urging Inclusion of Ukraine Assistance in Continuing Resolution

Today, Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA) signed a letter to Speaker Johnson authored by Representatives Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and William R. Keating, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Europe, urging the inclusion of critical assistance for Ukraine in the upcoming Continuing Resolution, which is vital not only for Ukraine's victory, but for U.S. national security.

Read the full letter here and excerpts below:

"...Any Continuing Resolution must include critical legislative provisions and authorities to support Ukraine's effort. These provisions, along with certainty and stability for our defense and diplomatic programs and workforces, are vital not only for Ukraine's effort but for U.S. national security.

"Extension of Foreign Assistance Act Sec.506(a)(1) President Drawdown Authority (PDA) is critical to ensure the Administration can continue to provide much-needed military assistance-not only to Ukraine but to Israel, and other global partners, including in the Indo-Pacific. This authority is the primary means by which the U.S. has worked with allies and partners to ensure Ukraine's military can repel Russian advances, defend civilians, and win the war...

"Ahead of the coming winter, helping Ukraine fight and win is a U.S. national security imperative and signals to the world that the U.S. will stand by democratic peoples. By continuing to stand by the free, courageous and independent people of Ukraine-as the House did in April under your leadership with the national security supplemental package-we will significantly improve their chances of victory and send a clear message to dictators and autocrats the world over. We must stand by Ukraine."

The letter was signed by Representatives Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), James Himes (D-CT), Gerald Connolly (D-VA), Ami Bera (D-CA), Dina Titus (D-NV), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Greg Stanton (D-AZ), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), Madeleine Dean (D-PA), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), Jim Costa (D-CA), Gabe Amo (D-RI), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Dean Phillips (D-MN), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Brendan Boyle (D-PA), Bradley Scott Schneider (D-IL), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Jason Crow (D-CO), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), Daniel Goldman (D-NY), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Andy Kim (D-CA), Kathy Manning (D-MI), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Sean Casten (D-IL), Thomas Suozzi (D-NY), Troy Carter (D-LA), and James McGovern (D-MA).