August 10, 2023
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) President and CEO Liz Schrayer issued the following statement on the Administration’s supplemental funding request for Ukraine that was released today:
The Administration’s supplemental request for Ukraine and other urgent global needs is timely and critically important to ensuring that Ukraine wins in their battle against Vladimir Putin and protecting U.S. national security and economic interests.
Throughout the past 18 months, the world has watched as Putin’s unprovoked invasion has exacted heavy costs on the Ukrainian people, while driving global food and energy spikes, and continuing to threaten our interests here at home. This request can help turn that tide. In particular, the call for additional economic and humanitarian assistance, which alongside robust contributions from Allies and partners, is vital to ensuring the Ukrainian state can function while under siege. As Ukrainians continue to show their willingness to fight their courageous battle, continuing to provide such resources will be vital to ensuring success.
We are also pleased to see a response to the increased aggression towards Taiwan from the People’s Republic of China (PRC), and that the supplemental request includes important resources for addressing the impact Putin’s war in Ukraine is having in the developing world. Russia and the PRC are seeking to take advantage of the war through their predatory actions, therefore, calling for targeted resources in Africa to counter Russia and the Wagner Group is simply in our national security interest, while utilizing smart financing tools to counter and compete with China advances our economic interests.
As Congress considers this important supplemental funding request alongside FY24 appropriations, we urge them to continue America’s bipartisan support for our allies and a secure and stable world that ensures prosperity and security here at home.
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The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (www.usglc.org) is a broad-based influential network of 500 businesses and NGOs; national security and foreign policy experts; and business, faith-based, academic, military, and community leaders in all 50 states who support strategic investments to elevate development and diplomacy alongside defense in order to build a better, safer world.