Rep. Watson Coleman Votes for Lend-Lease Legislation Expediting Military Aid to Ukraine
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) voted for legislation expediting the delivery of urgently needed security aid to the people of Ukraine as they continue to repel Russia’s unprovoked invasion. Reviving a World War II-era military aid program, the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act will streamline the shipment of weapons systems, ammunition and other equipment to Ukraine. This legislation has already been passed by the Senate and is expected to be signed into law.
“Putin’s war in Ukraine is not only a horrific, unjustifiable assault on the Ukrainian people, but also an illustration of a frightening global trend. Democracy is under attack, not just in Ukraine, but around the world. As the most powerful nation on Earth, the United States must take action to quell the rising tide of authoritarianism,” said Watson Coleman. “The stakes are too high to sit idly by and allow Putin’s atrocities to run their course. I was proud to vote for this legislation and remain committed to supporting the people of Ukraine by any means necessary, short of military intervention.”
During World War II, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s lend-lease program delivered military aid to our allies and played a critical role in turning the tide of the war. The Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act significantly enhances President Biden’s authority to provide similar support to Ukraine. Specifically, the bill directs the Biden Administration to establish expedited procedures for delivering military equipment to Ukraine and temporarily waives restrictions on lend-lease agreements with Ukraine.
On a bipartisan basis, Congress has also taken several key steps to punish and isolate Russia, including the suspension of permanent normal trade relations, the reauthorization of the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and a ban on the import of Russian oil and energy products. Additionally, the House has advanced the Asset Seizure for Ukraine Reconstruction Act and the Ukraine War Crimes Act.
“During World War II, democracy prevailed over autocracy,” concluded Watson Coleman. “It will prevail again.”