Press Release April 20, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Rutherford (FL-05) released the following statement regarding the House passage of national security legislation:
“Protecting Americans and providing for our national defense is the fundamental duty of the federal government. As deadly and violent conflicts escalate on three world stages, I voted in support of the national security package passed today by the House to invest in U.S. weapons stockpiles and support U.S. military missions near areas of concern. Restocking American defense reserves and supporting our allies with munitions and resources to fight back against our adversaries is the only way to protect national security at home and prevent further American involvement in dangerous and deadly missions abroad.
“The bills passed today:
- support Israel in their fight to protect themselves from Iran and its proxies.
- arm Ukraine in their fight against a Russian invasion into Europe.
- ensure the strength of our partners and allies in the Indo-Pacific against China’s escalating aggression.
- impose and increase sanctions on our enemies in Russia, Iran, and China.
- fight the fentanyl pouring across our border from drug cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
- seize an estimated $5 billion in Russian assets in the U.S.
- end China’s spying on nearly 150 million Americans using TikTok.
“Importantly, this bill includes robust oversight benchmarks by the Inspector General to make certain American dollars are not wasted. The bill also mandates that the Biden Administration provide Congress an end-game strategy for involvement in Ukraine, including metrics and specific achievable objectives, that prioritizes U.S. national interests. Additionally, it includes cost-matching for economic aid to Ukraine to ensure other countries do their part. If we fail to support our allies and friends now, the cost of American national security will be paid in more American blood.”
https://rutherford.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-national-security-package
Washington, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives met to consider the Israel, Ukraine, and Indo-Pacific security supplementals. The measures, which were introduced by House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) and cosponsored by Defense Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert (R-CA) and State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), were approved by the House with a vote of 366 to 58, 311 to 112, and 385 to 34 respectively.
Chairman Cole said, “The safety and defense of the nation is our fundamental duty. At a time of such turmoil in the world, America can’t cower to evil. I proudly voted to stand firmly on the side of freedom. These measures protect our friends and partners, bolster American defense, and support the security of the free world. This House just showed tyrants and despots who wish harm upon us and our allies that we will not waver as the beacon of leadership and liberty.”
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.
https://appropriations.house.gov/news/press-releases/house-passes-series-security-supplemental-bills