Ukraine Support Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished once and future chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs for his steadfast leadership and determination for the people of Ukraine.

I rise today in strong support of the Ukraine Support Act and thank Leader Hoyer for his persistence and his determination to bring this legislation to the floor and, of course, Marcy, who has been our inspiration, Marcy Kaptur.

The Ukrainian people are not asking us to fight their war. That has been said. They are asking for tools to defend their sovereignty, their democracy, and their lives.

As President Zelenskyy wrote to Congress just days ago: ``We value every human life, and that is exactly why we are seeking a real peace.''

But supporting Ukraine is not only about Ukraine. It is about deterring aggression everywhere. It is about standing up to authoritarianism, and it is about reaffirming that the United States does not abandon those who fight for freedom.

Let us also not forget that well over 70 percent of U.S. funding allocated to Ukraine is spent in the United States, a direct investment in our economy, American workers and industries.

While some have been unwilling to stand up to Vladimir Putin, this Congress must. This bipartisan legislation sends a clear and unmistakable message: The American people stand with Ukraine, and we will stand against Russian aggression--Russian aggression which includes kidnapping of tens of thousands of little children, which includes raping of mothers in front of their children and in front of their parents. It is about killing families. Their assaults on civilians are sinful, in my view.

Let us pass this bill to strengthen Ukraine's hand to hasten a just and lasting peace, and to uphold the values that make America a beacon of hope to the world. ``Glory to Ukraine''; ``Slava Ukraini.''

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