President Biden signed legislation Monday that would make it easier for the United States to send military equipment to Ukraine as the Eastern European country fights the ongoing Russian invasion.
Biden signed the bill in the Oval Office in a ceremony with Vice President Harris and members of Congress. The bill, officially known as Ukraine’s 2022 Land Leasing Democracy Defense Act, was passed by Congress with the support of both parties last month.
Biden reaffirms US support for Ukrainians “in their struggle to defend the country and its democracy against them” [Russian President Vladimir] Putin’s brutal war. “
“Every day, Ukrainians pay with their lives,” Biden said. “The price of the battle is not cheap, but retreating from aggression is even more expensive. That’s why we stay in it. “
The bill was introduced by Senators John Cornin (R-Texas) and Ben Cardin (D-Md.) And allows the United States to lease or lease military equipment to Ukraine and other allies in Eastern Europe, while streamlining the process to facilitate Do it. The bill revives a World War II-era policy that helped defeat Nazi Germany.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the signing of the bill.
“Today’s signing of the law on land leasing is a historic step. I am convinced that we will win together again. And we will defend democracy in Ukraine. And in Europe. “Like 77 years ago,” Zelenski tweeted.
The bill passed the Senate in a vote, and later passed the House of Representatives in a bipartisan vote of 417-10 last month. All 10 votes against in the House of Representatives came from Republicans.
The United States has sent military and other security aid to Ukraine quickly as the country fights Russian attacks on major cities such as Kyiv and, more recently, southern and eastern Ukraine.
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Last week, Biden announced plans to send another $ 150 million in military aid to Ukraine, which the administration said had almost exhausted congressional funding.
Lawmakers approved $ 13.6 billion for Ukraine-related security, economic and humanitarian aid in March. The White House is now asking lawmakers to provide huge $ 33 billion in aid to help Ukraine sustain the fight against Russia in the coming months and deal with the refugee crisis and the global economic consequences of the war.
– Updated at 4:52 p.m.
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