04.23.24

Durbin Urges the Senate to Pass the National Security Supplemental as Soon as Possible

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, took to the Senate floor to urge his colleagues to pass the national security supplemental, which includes emergency funds for Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, and the Indo-Pacific.  The supplemental passed the House this weekend and once it passes the Senate, it will head to the President’s desk to be signed into law.  The Senate previously passed a similar supplemental in February.

Durbin began his speech by highlighting a meeting he hosted last week with Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, and the Ukrainian Prime Minister, Denys Shmyhal.

Durbin said, “The Prime Minister’s point was simple—with continued U.S. and allied support, Ukraine can defeat Russia’s brutal war, and in doing so, help defend greater security in Europe.  I agree, and that is why the weekend vote in the House and the vote here this week in the Senate are so important.  We always have had an isolationist sentiment in the United States and [many may forget it] had to be overcome in both World Wars.  But in both cases, and here today with Ukraine and the larger national security supplemental bill, it was not only in our interest to stop wars of aggression, but also to help maintain the international world order that reflects our values and benefits us here at home.”

“Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, and its earlier seizure of land in Georgia and Moldova, threatens decades of hard-won peace and stability in Europe.  And make no mistake—China, Iran, and North Korea—are watching to see if the United States and our allies allow Russia’s aggression to stand.  Doing so not only would embolden Putin to try for more European land, including from NATO allies like the Baltics and Poland, but also would raise the risks faced by allies in the Indo-Pacific and Middle East.  That is why I am also pleased that this supplemental includes security assistance for our key allies in those regions of the world as well.  It also includes considerable humanitarian aid to help with a number of growing needs, including in Gaza, Sudan, and drought-stricken areas of the world facing food insecurity,” Durbin continued.

During his speech, Durbin commented on the dire need to pass this supplemental—which has global and historic consequences.  Recently, NATO’s Secretary General Stoltenberg said that if Putin wins, there are “real risk that his aggression will not end there.”  Putin will continue to wage his war beyond Ukraine, with grave consequences.  Stoltenberg went further to remind us, “our support is not charity.  It is an investment in our security.”  Durbin then reflected on what President Ronald Reagan and the late Senator John McCain (R-AZ) would say in this historic moment.  Durbin and McCain walked through Ukraine’s Maidan Square together years ago. 

Durbin continued, “So, I urge a strong, bipartisan vote this week to send a clear message to Putin that he will not prevail in Ukraine, to ensure that other key allies and humanitarian crises will receive much needed aid, and to uphold basic international norms.  The Washington Post called the House approval of the supplemental, ‘The vote heard around the world.’  Let’s make sure our actions here in the Senate this week also are heard around the world.” 

Durbin concluded his speech by emphasizing the importance of continued U.S. oversight of security assistance to Israel and other countries around the world.  In February, Durbin and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) announced, alongside the Biden Administration, a new National Security Memorandum (NSM) aimed at ensuring U.S. security assistance is used in line with international and humanitarian law.  The NSM—which Durbin and Van Hollen worked closely with the Administration to develop following the release of their amendment—will require recipient countries to provide the U.S. with credible and reliable written assurances of meeting those standards.

Durbin said, “My greatest fear is that Netanyahu and his right-wing coalition—once they receive these American funds—will act irresponsibly.  I’m afraid they will revert to their devastating tactics in Gaza… These innocent people living in Gaza should not be victims in this war.  There are requirements forall civilized nations in war time when it comes to protecting individuals and civilians, and they certainly should apply in this situation.  There is no question, and this bears repeating every time we talk about this topic—Israel has the right to exist, it has the right to defend itself, and has the right to strike back at Hamas after the atrocities of October 7th, but the humanitarian crisis that was unleashed in Gaza is unspeakable, indefensible, and we cannot be party to it.”

Durbin concluded, “We passed this supplemental the first time in February of this year.  Here we are in April.  It is time to get this done for the relief and support of people in Ukraine and for the good of American values all around the world.”

Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.

-30-