Courtney Votes To Streamline Continued Supply Of Defense Resources To Ukraine

Statement

The bipartisan Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act represents a revival of FDR's WWII-era lend-lease program with Britain, and will ensure a steady stream of supplies to America's partners in Ukraine

Today, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) voted to streamline continued American support to our partners in Ukraine when he helped pass the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act (S. 3522) in the House of Representatives. The Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act is a bipartisan bill originally introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD), John Cornyn (R-TX), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Roger Wicker (R-MS), where it passed by a unanimous vote. It passed the House today with strong bipartisan support, a vote of 417-10, and will now be sent to President Biden's desk for signature.

The Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act represents a revival of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's lend-lease policy enacted in March 1941 at the behest of Prime Minister Winston Churchill, which enabled the U.S. to lend critical defense supplies to an economically distressed Britain--a decisive move that helped the allies win World War II. Today in 2022, members of the Ukrainian Parliament have urgently called for enactment of a policy that will expedite the delivery of lethal defense resources in the wake of Russia's invasion. Now, the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act will ensure that American shipments of critical weapons systems, ammunition, and military assistance in other forms arrive in Ukrainian hands faster and more seamlessly, while also enhancing other lend-lease authorities available to the President.

"First and foremost, it's the bravery of the Ukrainian people--the determination of their leaders, servicemembers, and the families they fight for--that has been thwarting Putin's armies now for 64 days," said Rep. Courtney. "Their fight for sovereignty and democracy is inspiring, and I am proud that Congress has come together again and again to authorize the supply-drops and shipments of lethal defense aid that they have relied on. Russia has suffered unprecedented setbacks at the hands of Ukraine's resistance, but Putin is still scrambling to find smaller victories as Ukraine's own resources run thin. After visiting Kyiv last week, Secretary Austin assured Ukrainians that America still has their back, and today the U.S. Congress reiterated that assurance--we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners in Ukraine. The Lend-Lease Act will help keep the stream of U.S. defense aid flowing steadily across the Atlantic and into the hands of our partners, in the same way that the 1941 Congress and President Franklin D. Roosevelt ensured a steady flow of resources to Britain during World War II. America will not sit idly by, we will support our partners, and I am proud that the House and Senate came together from both sides of the aisle to prove it."

Key provisions of the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act:

The bipartisan 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 and necessary to protect civilians in Ukraine from the Russian military invasion.
Under the bill, an agreement to lend or lease defense articles shall not be subject to certain requirements and provisions that typically apply to such lend-lease agreements, such as:
A requirement that prohibits a loan period from exceeding five years
A requirement that the United States may recall the loaned defense article at any time
A requirement that the receiving party has agreed to pay the United States all costs incurred in leasing the defense article
A provision that allows Congress to prohibit certain transfers of defense articles upon the enactment of a joint resolution
The bill provides that, not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of the bill, the President shall establish expedited procedures for the delivery of any defense article loaned or leased to the Government of Ukraine.

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