CONGRESSMAN MORELLE TAKES ACTION TO DELIVER CONTIUNED MILITARY SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE

(Rochester, N.Y.) — Today, Congressman Joe Morelle voted to pass legislation which will enable the United States to continue delivering critical military aid to Ukraine. The Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022 will allow the United States government to engage in lend-lease contracts with the Ukrainian government, facilitating additional American aid.

“This legislation continues to deliver on our pledge to hold Putin accountable and our promise to support the courageous men and women of Ukraine,” said Rep. Joe Morelle. “These actions will allow the United States to provide direct military assistance to the Ukrainian government through lend-lease programs – like those used in World War II – to protect innocent civilians and prevent more unnecessary deaths.”

Lend-lease programs have been used previously by the United States government to provide military assistance to allied countries without the direct sale of supplies. They were notably used during World War II as a way of aiding Great Britain prior to the U.S.’s direct involvement in the conflict. More on the historical uses of lend-lease agreements can be found here.

This legislation builds on recent Congressional and White House action to provide the Ukrainian government with additional humanitarian aid and sends a clear signal that the United States’ remains resolute in its support of the Ukrainian people.

Specifically, the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022 will:

• Allow for the United States government to engage in lending or leasing contracts of defense articles with the Ukrainian government or other Eastern European governments;
• Require the President to establish expedited delivery procedures within 60 days of its enactment;
• Allow the President to delegate authority authorized under this act to an official appointed by the President and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

Earlier this week, the House also passed the Asset Seizure for Ukraine Reconstruction Act of 2022 to explore Constitutional methods of seizing assets of Russian oligarchs linked to Vladimir Putin and use the liquidated funds to provide additional financial assistance to Ukraine. The full text of this legislation can be found here.

Rep. Morelle remains isolated with COVID-19 and voted by proxy. For more information on the lend-lease legislation, read the full text of the bill here.