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Floor Speech

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Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, for months, the brave people of Ukraine have been fighting valiantly in a war they did not ask for. Their defense of their homeland from the Russian invasion has already far surpassed the expectations of all the skeptics.

Ukraine is not asking anybody else to do their fighting for them. They ask only for the resources they need to defend themselves against this lawless aggression.

I strongly support the next package of lethal military assistance which the House has passed with an overwhelming bipartisan majority. I hope the Senate can reach an agreement to consider and pass this legislation today. The Ukrainians need it. We need to do it today.

Helping Ukraine is not an instance of mere philanthropy. It bears directly on America's national security and vital interests that Russia's naked aggression not succeed and carries significant costs. If Ukraine fails to repel Russian aggression, there is no question that the threat to America and European security will actually grow.

Our Nation's history is packed--packed--with painful reminders that America cannot wish away global problems that affect us and our allies simply by burying our head in the sand.

I applaud the strong Republican vote for this crucial assistance over in the House and urge my Senate colleagues on both sides to help us pass this urgent funding bill today.

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