America Must Stand Firm on the Side of Freedom

Our allies and partners are facing alarming threats and acts of aggression on a multitude of fronts.

Israel is literally on the front lines. Just this past weekend, Tehran executed an unprecedented aerial assault on Israel, firing hundreds of missiles and drones. The threat from the leading state sponsor of terrorism cannot be understated - nor can the threat from its proxies.

Two years ago, Vladimir Putin launched a forcible and illegal invasion of Ukraine. The conflict is now a war of attrition. It is incumbent on Ukraine’s friends to provide needed aid so that Ukraine can continue its fight to defeat Putin.

Taiwan, meanwhile, faces real and serious threats from the Chinese Communist Party. Taiwan continues to show the world what a free and democratic China could look like, and its security is critical to American security interests in the region.

The security supplemental bills introduced earlier this week ensure that the United States keeps its commitment to support our allies in time of need and ultimately demonstrates our vow to stand firm on the side of freedom. Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) spoke on the House floor this morning, urging support for this crucial assistance and commending the Speaker for allowing each bill to be considered separately.

Image

Watch Chairman Cole's full remarks here.

The Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024

The bill totals $26.38 billion to support Israel in its effort to defend itself against Iran and its proxies, and to reimburse U.S. military operations in response to recent attacks.

• $4 billion to replenish Iron Dome and David’s Sling missile defense systems.
• $1.2 billion for the Iron Beam defense system to counter short-range rockets and mortar threats.
• $3.5 billion for the procurement of advanced weapons systems, defense articles, and defense services through the Foreign Military Financing Program.
• $1 billion to enhance the production and development of artillery and critical munitions.
• $4.4 billion to replenish defense articles and defense services provided to Israel.
• $2.4 billion for current U.S. military operations in the region in response to recent attacks.
• Provides additional flexibility for transfers of defense articles to Israel from U.S. stockpiles held abroad.
• Prohibits funds to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

The Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024

The bill totals $60.84 billion to address the conflict in Ukraine and assist our regional partners as they counter Russia, $23.2 billion of which will be used for replenishment of U.S. weapons, stocks, and facilities.

• $23.2 billion to replenish defense articles and defense services provided to Ukraine.
• $11.3 billion for current U.S. military operations in the region.
• $13.8 billion for the procurement of advanced weapons systems, defense articles, and defense services.
• $26 million to continue oversight and accountability of aid and equipment provided to Ukraine.
• Bolsters oversight through in-person monitoring requirements.
• Requires partners and allies to pay their fair share through cost-matching requirements.
• Mandates agreement on repayment for economic support by the government of Ukraine.
• Increases the fiscal limits on several Presidential drawdown authorities.

The Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024

The bill totals $8.12 billion to continue efforts to counter communist China and ensure a strong deterrence in the region.

• $3.3 billion to develop submarine infrastructure, including investments in dry dock construction.
• $2 billion in Foreign Military Financing Program for Taiwan and other key allies and security partners in the Indo-Pacific confronting Chinese aggression.
• $1.9 billion to replenish defense articles and defense services provided to Taiwan and regional partners.
• $542 million to strengthen U.S. military capabilities in the region.
• $133 million to enhance the production and development of artillery and critical munitions.
• Provides additional flexibility for Foreign Military Financing loans and loan guarantees.

###