Fitzpatrick, Ukraine Caucus Co-Chairs Introduce Stand with Ukraine Act

WASHINGTON, DC - Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Joe Wilson (SC-02), and Mike Quigley (IL-05) introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Stand With Ukraine Act. This legislation would ensure that the 10-year Bilateral Security Agreement made in June 2024 between the United States and Ukraine is upheld and further promote peace and security in Ukraine. A companion bill was introduced in the Senate by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC).

The Stand with Ukraine Act would also enhance the U.S.-Ukraine partnership by establishing a framework to:

• Modernize Ukraine's security capabilities and strengthen joint military relationships
• Prioritize excess U.S. defense article transfers to Ukraine
• Fast-track Foreign Military Financing (FMF) sales to Ukraine
• Treat Ukraine as a major non-NATO ally for the purpose of defense article transfers
• Affirm U.S. policy regarding Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction
• Reauthorize the Ukraine Democracy Lend-Lease Program

"The policy of the United States toward Ukraine must be clear and firm: we will always stand with our friend and ally as they fight against Putin's unprovoked assault on Ukraine's sovereignty and liberty," said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, Co-Chair of the Ukraine Caucus. "The bipartisan Stand with Ukraine Act will further bolster the security, diplomatic, and economic partnerships the United States already has with Ukraine. Equally important, this legislation lays out a bold path for peace, stability, and reconstruction in Ukraine. I am grateful to my House and Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their support, and I strongly encourage every Member of Congress to join us in advancing this critical national security mission."

"By invading Ukraine, the tyrant Vladimir Putin intended to steal Ukraine's sovereignty and the Liberty of the Ukrainian people. Through the bravery of the Ukrainian people and American leadership, Russia's illegal war has had the opposite effect," said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur. "Ukraine has stood strong and NATO has never been more united. The Stand with Ukraine Act ensures that America's commitment to our bilateral security partnership with the democratic state of Ukraine is iron clad. Through our collaboration with the Ukrainian people we ensure that our two nations send a clear message to Putin that we will remain unrelenting in our defense of Liberty and the freedom of the Ukrainian and her people."

"Ukraine must have full, unrestricted use of western weapons against war criminal Putin. The goal must be complete Ukrainian victory. Democracies with rule of law will defeat authoritarians with rule of gun," said Congressman Joe Wilson

"When Russia launched its illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the United States made their position clear: we would stand with Ukraine in their fight for freedom. The Stand with Ukraine Act strengthens that promise by fast-tracking the delivery of critical equipment, modernizing Ukraine's security capabilities, and affirming our commitment to their reconstruction. Most importantly, it will show our adversaries that our assistance is not contingent on their threats - we will stand with Ukraine today, tomorrow, and long-after they defeat Vladimir Putin," said Congressman Mike Quigley.

"We're sending a message to the world that the United States will stand with Ukraine-that their fight is our fight, and both their freedom and ours are at stake. After my sixth visit to Kyiv and Ukraine's Kursk invasion, I'm convinced more than ever that we must solidify a strategic partnership with Ukraine and provide Congressional approval of the bilateral security agreement. Bipartisan support for Ukraine is critical to building on its military successes and maintaining momentum in the fight against Putin's murderous invasion. The Stand With Ukraine Act gives Ukraine access to the weapons needed to defend itself against Russian atrocities and savagery and solidifies a strategic partnership that will have tremendous economic benefits to the United States," said Senator Blumenthal.

"This legislation supports Ukraine in a variety of ways, sending a clear signal to brave Ukrainian fighters that we stand with them. It also states plainly that we will not give in to Russian aggression," said Senator Graham. "I was glad to work with Senator Blumenthal on this legislation and I appreciate my colleagues Representatives Fitzpatrick, Kaptur, Wilson and Quigley for leading this effort in the House."

Since the renewed Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Representative Fitzpatrick has taken decisive action to bolster the U.S.-Ukraine alliance, introducing key bipartisan legislation to strengthen the U.S.-Ukraine relationship, including the Defending Borders, Defending Democracies Act and the PACT with Ukraine Act. As Co-Chair of the Ukraine Caucus, these critical measures are aimed at fortifying Ukraine's sovereignty, safeguarding democracy, and strengthening America's commitment to supporting Ukraine in the face of aggression

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