Hoyer: We Ought to Show Unwavering Support for Ukraine's Defense of Its Homeland

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) delivered remarks on the House Floor during general debate on H.R. 8595, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027. Below are a video and transcript of his remarks:

Click here to watch a video of his remarks.

"I thank the gentlelady for yielding. Sadly, I could not agree with Chairman Cole. This bill does not send a strong message to our friends, nor does it send an unmistakable message to our adversaries. Sadly, this bill has zero [funding] for Ukraine, our ally fighting the Russian invader. That is a grave mistake and absolutely the wrong approach and a dangerous signal at a time when we ought to show unwavering support for Ukraine's defense of its homeland. Yesterday marked 40 days since the House passed the Ukraine Support Act. That bipartisan legislation would provide Ukraine with an additional $8 billion in loans for military procurement, as well as $1.3 billion [for] direct security assistance. It also would impose new sanctions that will further erode Vladimir Putin's ability to continue this illegal, immoral, and unjust war. Now it's the Senate's turn to act.

"Over the weekend, America lost a champion in the effort to stand with Ukraine. Senator Graham understood that America's responsibility was to ensure that Ukraine has every resource it needs - but none in this bill - not just to survive, but to win. Senator Graham died just hours after returning from Ukraine and securing bipartisan agreement on a new punishing sanctions bill. I hope that all of us in this House and Senate will honor his memory by continuing to vigorously support Ukraine. Its drone strategy is creating space on the battlefield for real movement. Something is in the air, and it's the feeling that victory is not only achievable, but increasingly within reach. This bill does not send a strong message of that objective. Not the end of the beginning, but finally, hopefully, perhaps the beginning of the end. Ten additional seconds? Let us be clear: America does not abandon our allies. America does not shrink from the fight. Democracy will not yield one inch to tyranny. We should be saying that in this bill. And I yield back my time, but not my opposition to tyranny."