U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from all members of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate as well as the House and Senate leadership and House and Senate committees.
Featured Stories
Ways & Means Republicans Call for Rigorous Oversight of U.S. Tax-Exempt Organizations With Suspected Ties to Chinese Communist Party
WASHINGTON, April 25 -- Rep. Jason Smith, R-Missouri, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following news release:
Reports indicate that individuals associated with organizations enjoying generous tax benefits under the U.S. tax code have direct ties to and may be under the influence of America's foreign adversaries - including China. In a letter to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Daniel Werfel, led by Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08), Oversight Subcommittee Chairman David Schweikert (AZ-01), and Ways and Means Republican Nicole Malliotakis
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 25 -- Rep. Jason Smith, R-Missouri, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following news release:
Reports indicate that individuals associated with organizations enjoying generous tax benefits under the U.S. tax code have direct ties to and may be under the influence of America's foreign adversaries - including China. In a letter to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Daniel Werfel, led by Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08), Oversight Subcommittee Chairman David Schweikert (AZ-01), and Ways and Means Republican Nicole Malliotakis(NY-11) - and joined by every Republican Ways and Means member - the Committee raises concerns about foreign adversaries' exercising influence over American-based tax-exempt organizations and calls on the IRS to engage in rigorous oversight with respect to suspected organizations with ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) that have financed and fueled the spread of Chinese propaganda:
"Our concerns stem in part from recent public reporting that identifies several specific tax-exempt organizations that promote CCP propaganda and related initiatives. These include the U.S.-based Energy Foundation and The People's Forum, among others. We are concerned about how these tax-exempt organizations are funded and whether they are being operated for exempt purposes under Section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code."
The letter details the level to which these organizations - including the Energy Foundation - have direct ties to the CCP and, while receiving tax benefits in the U.S., are conducting business in a way that furthers the economic interests of China:
"Although the organization claims to be headquartered in California, filed tax forms show the group refers to itself as 'Energy Foundation China,' and reports suggest that the majority of its operations are conducted in China with a staff that has substantial connections to the CCP - including its CEO and President who previously served as the deputy director general of China's National Center for Climate Change Strategy. Even more concerning is the fact that this group contributed $3.8 million to promote 'green' energy policies that would increase our country's dependence on Chinese minerals and materials."
The Ways and Means Committee cites reports identifying Roy Singham, a tech mogul based in Shanghai who has given nearly $1.8 million to the Maku Group, a Chinese media company that says its goal is to "tell China's story well." Of concern to the Committee, Mr. Singham owns and operates a complex network of America-based nonprofits that push CCP propaganda and have engaged in activities to influence America's political landscape as well as foment antisemitism:
"Mr. Singham is actively fueling CCP propaganda and financing indoctrination efforts abroad by providing hundreds of millions of dollars to groups that mix progressive advocacy with CCP talking points. Despite this foreign activity and engagement with CCP-tied organizations across the world, Mr. Singham's American-based nonprofit organizations continue to do business as usual, supporting political activity and pro-CCP propaganda. These political activities include those believed or intended to influence Americans about the political or public interests, policies, or relations of a foreign government...
"The People's Forum, another 501(c)(3) organization funded by Mr. Singham, was recently at the center of a series of massive antisemitic events in the wake of the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023."
In December 2023, the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight heard testimony on the total lack of transparency surrounding how money from foreign nationals can influence the American political systemwhen funneled through 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations. That hearing followed a November 2023 hearing by the Ways and Means Committee on the spread of antisemitism on the campuses of tax-exempt universities as well as financial links between so-called charitable organizations operating within the United States and terrorist organizations.
Ways and Means Committee Members are requesting information from the IRS about what the agency is doing, if anything, to investigate these matters and gather information to discern how tax-exempt organizations receive funding from foreign sources like the CCP, whether such organizations are operating within the protocols required for tax-exempt status, and what action the IRS would take against those organizations if they were found to be promoting conduct counter to public policy.
Read the full letter here (https://gop-waysandmeans.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/4-24-2024-Werfel-CCP-Singham-Letter.pdf).
* * *
Original text here: https://waysandmeans.house.gov/ways-and-means-republicans-call-for-rigorous-oversight-of-u-s-tax-exempt-organizations-with-suspected-ties-to-chinese-communist-party/
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Leaders Risch, Crapo on Senate Passage of Supplemental Package
WASHINGTON, April 25 -- Sen. James Risch, R-Idaho, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following news release on April 23, 2024:
U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, today released the following statements on Senate passage of the national security supplemental package:
"Our first obligation as Congress is the safety and security of America. The Senate's passage of a package for our allies is an important component to safeguarding American
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 25 -- Sen. James Risch, R-Idaho, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following news release on April 23, 2024:
U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, today released the following statements on Senate passage of the national security supplemental package:
"Our first obligation as Congress is the safety and security of America. The Senate's passage of a package for our allies is an important component to safeguarding Americansecurity at home. In addition to the expanding military capabilities of our enemies, regional instability in the Middle East, Europe, and the Indo-Pacific threatens U.S. economic access and raises prices to U.S. consumers. If America is going to remain strong, we must help our partners defeat authoritarians and terrorists who spread chaos globally and undermine U.S. economic and security interests," said Risch. "I am particularly grateful the package included my REPO Act. This legislation will repurpose seized Russian sovereign funds to rebuild Ukraine, forcing Russia to pay for its crimes. I was also glad to support a number of provisions to counter Iran's malign behavior, including my End IT Act. As Iran attempts to expand its attacks against Israel into a broader regional conflict, we must do all we can to starve the regime of resources and reestablish deterrence. Finally, as China continues to present the greatest threat to our national security, the inclusion of aid for Taiwan and our allies in the Pacific is critical. By helping the Taiwanese prepare to defend themselves now, we can avoid much greater costs later."
"This legislation takes a firm stance against world antagonists as the United States and our allies continue to face external threats from Russia, China and Iran. While imperfect, this legislation includes much-needed sanctions on our adversaries and protections for Americans," said Crapo. "This supplemental package includes critically important support for Israel, including prohibiting funding for the antisemitic UN Relief and Works Agency. Likewise, the package includes legislation to impose sanctions on ports and refineries that receive and process Iranian oil, a bill I co-sponsored. The bill also includes legislation Senator Risch and I sponsored to empower the executive branch to transfer frozen Russian sovereign assets to Ukraine to help Ukraine succeed and rebuild. Idahoans will also benefit directly from the life-saving provisions that declare the fentanyl epidemic a national emergency, targeting criminal organizations and drug cartels. These investments, along with support for America's energy independence through nuclear research and bolstering our military's readiness and capabilities, protect the security of Idaho and America while promoting the sovereignty of the U.S. and its allies. Amidst providing additional national security funding, I realize the importance to continue reforms domestically and will continue to work with my colleagues to press for a solid solution that will secure our borders and rein-in federal spending."
Background:
In January, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed Risch's REPO Act by a vote of 20-1. The House Foreign Affairs Committee passed the REPO Act in November 2023 by a vote of 40-2. This legislation provides additional assistance to Ukraine using assets confiscated from the Central Bank of the Russian Federation and other sovereign assets of the Russian Federation.
In April, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed Risch's END It Act by voice vote. This legislation requires the creation of a strategy to counter China's evasion of sanctions imposed by the United States with respect to Iran.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.foreign.senate.gov/press/rep/release/risch-crapo-on-senate-passage-of-supplemental-package
Sen. Tester Bipartisan Bill to Crack Down on Fentanyl Trafficking Signed Into Law
WASHINGTON, April 25 -- Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, issued the following news release on April 24, 2024:
President Joe Biden today signed into law U.S. Senator Jon Tester's bipartisan legislation to crack down on the deadly flow of fentanyl that is wreaking havoc on Montana communities. Tester's Fentanyl Eradication and Narcotics Deterrence (FEND) Off Fentanyl Act will impose economic sanctions on those engaged in the international trafficking of illicit fentanyl, precursor chemicals used to make fentanyl, or other related opioids, and declare international trafficking of fentanyl as a national
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 25 -- Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, issued the following news release on April 24, 2024:
President Joe Biden today signed into law U.S. Senator Jon Tester's bipartisan legislation to crack down on the deadly flow of fentanyl that is wreaking havoc on Montana communities. Tester's Fentanyl Eradication and Narcotics Deterrence (FEND) Off Fentanyl Act will impose economic sanctions on those engaged in the international trafficking of illicit fentanyl, precursor chemicals used to make fentanyl, or other related opioids, and declare international trafficking of fentanyl as a nationalemergency.
"Fentanyl is a poison that is hurting Montana communities, and local law enforcement have made it clear to me that they need additional tools to get it off our streets," said Tester. "That's why I worked with Republicans and Democrats on this bipartisan law that will save lives by declaring the fentanyl crisis a national emergency and hitting China and the criminal organizations that traffic this filth directly in their wallets. I'll continue to work with anyone on bipartisan solutions to strengthen border security and provide additional tools to the men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line to keep Montana safe."
Tester has led the charge to stop the deadly flow of fentanyl that is wreaking havoc on Montana and secure the southern border. Tester has fought for months to get his bipartisan FEND Off Fentanyl Act across the finish line and successfully included the legislation as part of a targeted bipartisan national security package.
Tester's Fend OFF Fentanyl Act will declare the fentanyl crisis a national emergency, which will allow law enforcement agencies to better coordinate resources to tackle the crisis. Specifically, the law will:
* Sanction transnational criminal organizations and drug cartels' key members engaged in international fentanyl trafficking.
* Enable the use of proceeds from forfeited, sanctioned property of fentanyl traffickers to further law enforcement efforts.
* Enhance the ability to enforce sanctions violations thereby making it more likely that people who defy U.S. law will be caught and prosecuted.
* Require the administration to report to Congress on actions the U.S. government is taking to reduce the international trafficking of fentanyl and related opioids.
* Allow the Treasury Department to utilize special measures to combat fentanyl-related money laundering.
* Require the Treasury Department to prioritize fentanyl-related suspicious transactions and include descriptions of drug cartels' financing actions in Suspicious Activity Reports.
Last month, Tester successfully called on Congress to fully fund technology used to scan for fentanyl and other contraband at the southern border as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Tester voted to secure the southern border in February - but politicians in Congress blocked the bipartisan border security legislation.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.tester.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/breaking-testers-bipartisan-bill-to-crack-down-on-fentanyl-trafficking-signed-into-law/
Rep. Joe Morelle Announces New Support for His Legislation To Stop Deepfake Pornography
WASHINGTON, April 25 -- Rep. Joseph Morelle, D-New York, issued the following news release on April 24, 2024:
Today, Congressman Joe Morelle announced a slate of national advocacy organizations have recently endorsed his legislation, the Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act, including: the National Organization for Women, Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN),and the Joyful Heart Foundation.
The growing support comes during National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month as Congressman Morelle pushes for the legislation to be taken up for consideration by the House Judiciary
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 25 -- Rep. Joseph Morelle, D-New York, issued the following news release on April 24, 2024:
Today, Congressman Joe Morelle announced a slate of national advocacy organizations have recently endorsed his legislation, the Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act, including: the National Organization for Women, Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN),and the Joyful Heart Foundation.
The growing support comes during National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month as Congressman Morelle pushes for the legislation to be taken up for consideration by the House JudiciaryCommittee.
"We've seen the devastating impacts intimate deepfakes images have had on everyone from young schoolgirls to world-wide celebrities. We have a responsibility to take decisive action that puts a stop to these heinous crimes," said Congressman Joe Morelle. "My bipartisan legislation, the Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act, would be a critical step forward in regulating AI and ensuring there are severe consequences for those who create deepfake images. I'm proud the bill has been gaining momentum with the support of these dedicated organizations, and I look forward to working together to swiftly pass it into law."
"The Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act will protect women from a new kind of thievery today--the theft of bodily imagery and autonomy," said Christian F. Nunes, National Organization for Women (NOW) National President. "When this occurs to celebrities, it makes headlines, however 99.9 percent affected by deepfakes do not have the influence to fight back--or laws that protect them. This urgently needed legislation will provide legal fortitude to combat these egregious crimes. NOW thanks Congressman Morelle and the increasing number of cosponsors who are working to stop the real-life mental anguish and long-term damage transpiring daily in the digital world."
"As an organization dedicated to combating sexual assault and exploitation, RAINN enthusiastically endorses H.R. 3106 - the Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act," said Karrie Delaney, Director of Federal Affairs, RAINN. "By criminalizing the intentional dissemination or threat of disseminating digitally manipulated sexually explicit content, this bill aligns with our mission to protect individuals from all forms of exploitation. We commend the efforts to address this pressing issue and urge its passage."
"The non-consensual sharing of synthetic intimate images, often called deepfake pornography, is an exponentially growing form of abuse that humiliates, degrades, and threatens women and girls, causing real and lasting damage to their mental health and wellbeing. Current federal law does not prohibit this abuse, allowing these perpetrators to inflict this life-shattering violence on survivors with impunity," said Ilse Knecht, Director of Policy and Advocacy for the Joyful Heart Foundation. "It's time for the Federal Government to pass legislation that recognizes this harm and allows survivors to seek justice. We urge Congress to quickly enact Representative Morelle's Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act to support survivors of this alarming and widespread abuse and bring accountability to their abusers."
H.R. 3106, the Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act, takes much-needed action to prohibit the non-consensual disclosure of digitally altered intimate images. Notably, the legislation both makes the sharing of these images a criminal offense and creates a right of private action for victims to seek relief--a combination that serves as a powerful deterrent. The legislation is bipartisan and continues to steadily gain support in the House of Representatives, including over 55 co-sponsors.
The legislation was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary in May of 2023, but has yet to receive formal consideration. Learn more about the Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act here (https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-morelle-authors-legislation-make-ai-generated-deepfakes).
* * *
Original text here: https://morelle.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-morelle-announces-new-support-his-legislation-stop-deepfake
House Transportation Committee Ranking Member Larsen Mourns Loss of Representative Donald M. Payne, Jr.
EVERETT, Washington, April 25 -- Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Washington, ranking member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, issued the following statement on April 24, 2024:
* * *
Today, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Rick Larsen (D-WA) issued the following statement mourning the loss of Representative Donald M. Payne, Jr. (D-NJ), who served as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials:
"I am deeply saddened by the loss of my colleague and friend, Donald M. Payne, Jr. His dedication and work
... Show Full Article
EVERETT, Washington, April 25 -- Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Washington, ranking member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, issued the following statement on April 24, 2024:
* * *
Today, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Rick Larsen (D-WA) issued the following statement mourning the loss of Representative Donald M. Payne, Jr. (D-NJ), who served as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials:
"I am deeply saddened by the loss of my colleague and friend, Donald M. Payne, Jr. His dedication and workhelped advance key legislation, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the PIPES Act of 2020, which have improved the safe and reliable transportation of people and goods, benefiting the lives of every American.
"During his time as Chair of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, Donald fought for investment in our infrastructure with an emphasis on increasing transportation accessibility, and laid the groundwork for strong rail funding in the BIL as well as advancing the PIPES Act of 2023 through Committee. Thanks to his leadership, this record funding has already left an indelible mark on working families, communities across the country and the economy.
"Donald was a fierce friend and advocate for rail workers, supporting their bid for sick leave, higher wages, and improved working conditions. His efforts helped support a historic agreement that would strengthen the safety and quality of life for our essential rail workers. His work to advance rail safety legislation, especially in the wake of the derailment in East Palestine, will remain an important part of his legacy that Congress must continue to realize.
"I offer my heartfelt condolences to his wife Beatrice, and their three children, Donald III, Jack, and Yvonne, and to the people of New Jersey that he represented dutifully for over a decade."
* * *
Original text here: https://democrats-transportation.house.gov/news/press-releases/ranking-member-larsen-mourns-the-loss-of-representative-donald-m-payne-jr
House Transportation Committee Ranking Member Larsen Applauds Biden Administration for Strengthening Protections for Airline Passengers
WASHINGTON, April 25 -- Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Washington, ranking member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, issued the following statement on April 24, 2024:
* * *
Today, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Rick Larsen (D-WA) provided the following statement after the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) issued a final rule requiring that airlines issue passengers a prompt automatic cash refund for canceled and significantly delayed flights.
"Airline passengers deserve compensation for cancelled or significantly delayed flights
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 25 -- Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Washington, ranking member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, issued the following statement on April 24, 2024:
* * *
Today, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Rick Larsen (D-WA) provided the following statement after the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) issued a final rule requiring that airlines issue passengers a prompt automatic cash refund for canceled and significantly delayed flights.
"Airline passengers deserve compensation for cancelled or significantly delayed flightsand transparency when it comes to junk fees," Ranking Member Larsen said.
"Today's new rules will deliver both, putting money back in consumers' pockets by streamlining the refund process and requiring airlines to be upfront about ticket prices so passengers can choose the flight that is best for them. The bipartisan House-passed FAA reauthorization builds on these important consumer protections, and I continue to work with my Senate colleagues to get a final version of this critical legislation to the President's desk and signed into law."
For more information about the final rules, click here (https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/biden-harris-administration-announces-final-rule-requiring-automatic-refunds-airline).
* * *
Original text here: https://democrats-transportation.house.gov/news/press-releases/ranking-member-larsen-applauds-biden-administration-for-strengthening-protections-for-airline-passengers
Ahead of Final Passage, Senate Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Murray Urges Senators to Pass National Security Supplemental
WASHINGTON, April 25 -- Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington, chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following news release on April 23, 2024:
Today U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, spoke on the Senate floor ahead of final passage of the House-passed national security supplemental--which is nearly identical to the supplemental that Murray and others negotiated and passed through the Senate in February. Murray also spoke ahead of Senate consideration of the House-passed supplemental earlier today.
"We are finally about to pass a
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 25 -- Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington, chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following news release on April 23, 2024:
Today U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, spoke on the Senate floor ahead of final passage of the House-passed national security supplemental--which is nearly identical to the supplemental that Murray and others negotiated and passed through the Senate in February. Murray also spoke ahead of Senate consideration of the House-passed supplemental earlier today.
"We are finally about to pass abill from the House that, as many of us have noted: includes every pillar of the package we passed overwhelmingly here in the Senate back in February--essentially identical in the funding we are providing," said Senator Murray in her remarks this evening. "I think it's fair to say--thanks to bipartisanship and a shared commitment to doing what's best for America--that the Senate has made its voice heard in this process."
In her floor speech, Senator Murray once again underscored the importance of passing a comprehensive national security supplemental as she has emphasized for months, "This package makes clear that Congress understands that the conflict in Ukraine is not disjointed from future aggression by the Chinese Communist Party. From the beginning, I was clear--the challenges we face around the world are interconnected, we have to deliver a comprehensive package--half steps won't cut it. This package ensures America keeps it word to ALL its allies--and stands by ALL of its commitments."
Murray also underlined her persistent focus on ensuring that humanitarian aid be included in any supplemental that passes the Senate, "And especially important to me: in passing this package, we do not lose sight of the human reality on the ground--the fact that in the middle of every conflict, are civilians--people displaced from their homes, people facing obstacles getting basic medical services, and kids and families who desperately need food and water. I made certain, at every step, that this bill delivers badly needed humanitarian assistance--for Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, and so many other regions caught in conflict."
Senator Murray has led efforts to extend U.S. support for Ukraine--and as Appropriations Chair, she has pushed at every step of the way to ensure Congress approves a comprehensive national security supplemental with aid for our allies and desperately needed humanitarian assistance. When President Biden submitted his full national security supplemental funding request in October, Senator Murray made clear Congress must deliver on the urgent priorities in the request, chaired a hearing to discuss those priorities with Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, and immediately got to work negotiating a bipartisan package. Senator Murray has blocked repeated attempts to pass a standalone military assistance package for Israel without humanitarian assistance for innocent civilians in Gaza--or aid for Ukraine--and she has insisted on passage of a comprehensive package to address the interrelated national security challenges. In December, she released and pushed to pass a comprehensive package with aid for Ukraine, Israel, and our partners in the Indo-Pacific, as well as humanitarian assistance and resources to address needs at our border--but the comprehensive package was blocked by Senate Republicans, who initially insisted that border policy changes be tied to funding for Ukraine. After Democrats and Republicans negotiated and released a new comprehensive supplemental which included both border policy and funding provisions, Senate Republicans then blocked consideration of that comprehensive package in a 49-50 vote. In February, Senator Murray joined her colleagues in passing a bipartisan national security supplemental, without border policy and funding provisions, by a vote of 70-29; in terms of funding, the House-passed supplemental is materially identical to the Senate supplemental in nearly every way.
Senator Murray's remarks, as delivered, are below:
"It has been no easy task to get us to this point. The world has been watching, the clock has been ticking, but we are finally at the finish line.
"And I'm not just glad, but relieved, we are finally about to pass a bill from the House that, as many of us have noted: includes every pillar of the package we passed overwhelmingly here in the Senate back in February--essentially identical in the funding we are providing!
"I think it's fair to say--thanks to bipartisanship and a shared commitment to doing what's best for America--that the Senate has made its voice heard in this process.
"In particular, I want to once again thank my counterpart and Vice Chair, Senator Collins--we don't agree on everything, but we both had a real appreciation for the seriousness of this work and the importance of negotiating a bill that would pass both Chambers.
"As I have said, this package is not the product I would have written just by myself, it is the result of a difficult bipartisan process. Crafting this package has required serious, sober discussion--not partisanship, not political show. So thank you to her, Leader Schumer, the Minority Leader, and so many others.
"This legislation provides the resources necessary to make the world safer for America and its allies. We are delivering investments to address the challenges of today and investing in our strategy for the future. This package makes clear that Congress understands that the conflict in Ukraine is not disjointed from future aggression by the Chinese Communist Party. From the beginning, I was clear--the challenges we face around the world are interconnected, we have to deliver a comprehensive package--half steps won't cut it. This package ensures America keeps it word to all of its allies--and stands by all of its commitments.
"And especially important to me: in passing this package, we do not lose sight of the human reality on the ground--the fact that in the middle of every conflict, are civilians--people displaced from their homes, people facing obstacles getting basic medical services, and kids and families who desperately need food and water.
"I made certain, at every step, that this bill delivers badly needed humanitarian assistance--for Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, and so many other regions caught in conflict.
"So now, we're at the finish line, let's vote to stand by our allies--to say to dictators like Putin that they cannot invade sovereign democracies freely and unchecked, and that America will not ignore the humanity, and the cries for help, from civilians who are caught in the middle of conflict and crossfire who we must protect.
"Tonight, Moscow and Beijing are watching closely to see whether we have the vision to recognize how these crises are related, and the resolve to come together and respond forcefully to them.
"Our adversaries are cheering for dysfunction, so let's instead show them unity instead. Let's show them the strength of democracy--and vote yes."
* * *
Her remarks from this afternoon can be found HERE (https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/news/majority/senator-murray-urges-senate-to-pass-national-security-supplemental-show-the-world-that-american-leadership-is-still-alive-and-well).
* * *
Original text here: https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/news/majority/ahead-of-final-passage-murray-urges-senators-to-pass-national-security-supplemental
