House Passes Wilson’s Bipartisan ‘Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022’
Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022. Introduced by Joe Wilson (R-SC), Ranking Member of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, along with Co-Chairman Steve Cohen (D-TN), Liz Cheney (R-WY), Tom Malinowski (D-NJ), Mike Waltz (R-FL) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), the bill temporarily waives certain requirements related to the President's authority to lend or lease defense articles if the defense articles are intended for Ukraine's government or the governments of other Eastern European countries affected by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The legislation will bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities and help protect its civilians from the ongoing Russian military invasion, while supporting the broader national security concerns of the United States.
This bicameral bill serves as a companion to the version introduced by Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) and passed in the Senate earlier this month.
"I am grateful to have introduced this bipartisan bill to ensure that red tape does not stand in the way of the courageous people of Ukraine as they fight for their families and the sovereignty of their country. There is historical precedent for lend-lease dating back to World War II, which was instrumental in defeating Hitler's Nazi Germany. This war perpetrated by Vladimir Putin against Ukraine has united the world in its resolve against corrupt authoritarians and in admiration for the Ukrainian people. The U.S., along with our valued allies, must continue to supply Ukraine with the military equipment they need to repel this attack, and this legislation expedites and expands that process," said Rep. Wilson.
"It is imperative that we get Ukraine the munitions and equipment it needs to defend itself. They are fighting on behalf of democracy and the free world, and we must help in any way we can. The Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act expedites the delivery of this critical material at a time when it is most needed," said Rep. Steve Cohen.
"The United States must take aggressive and decisive action to aid Ukraine in their fight against Putin's brutal invasion. I'm proud to join Senator Cornyn and Rep. Wilson in passing this critical legislation to ensure the United States can provide equipment and armaments to the Ukrainian people without delay," said Rep. Cheney.
"Ukrainians have proven they're willing to stand and fight for democracy against one of the largest armies in the world," said Rep. Malinowski. "They deserve a fair shot to protect their country, and this legislation will give President Biden even greater flexibility to deliver to them the weapons they need."
"The United States must provide all available military assistance to the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom and sovereignty. These authorities will enable the United States to provide Ukraine with additional weapons and resources to continue their fight against Russia and further bolster European security," said Rep. Mike Waltz.
"When it comes to key national security issues, partisanship should stop at the water's edge. The Ukrainian people have shown incredible bravery in the last few months to protect their country, and I'm pleased that Republicans and Democrats are working together right now to make sure we have their backs," Rep. Slotkin said. "Lend Lease programs have an important history in our country, giving the President the authority to provide aid and military equipment to partners fighting back against regimes that have used violence and war against them. During World War II, the U.S. sent billions of dollars' worth of aid and military equipment to Russia through the 1941 Lend Lease Act to help them fight back against the Nazi regime – including trucks, tanks, and planes that were built in Michigan. Now, the shoe is on the other foot, and more than anyone the Russians should understand how Lend Lease will support a determined defender against an invading aggressor. I'm leading this legislation to cut through the bureaucratic tape so that we can give the Ukrainians every tool they need to fight back against Putin's unwarranted, unjustified invasion of an independent country."
Background:
As part of the President's Arms Export Control Act, the President can currently lend and lease defense articles to U.S. partners and allies when it is in the United States' national security interest. However, bureaucratic barriers and other limitations make these authorities impractical for the current crisis facing Ukraine.