Ranking Member DeLauro Statement at Ukraine Oversight Hearing

2023-02-28 14:17
Statement

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, delivered the following remarks at the Defense Subcommittee's hearing on Ukraine overisght:

Thank you, Chairman Calvert and Ranking Member McCollum, for hosting this important hearing. Thank you to our witnesses, Lieutenant General Douglas Sims and Assistant Secretary Celeste Wallander for being here today.

For the past year, Russia has waged an egregious, unprovoked war against the Ukrainian people. And during this time, we have become witness to one of the worst humanitarian crises the world has seen in generations.

As we continue to watch in horror, civilians – including children, people in hospitals, and expectant mothers – are being targeted by Russia’s unprovoked and utterly inhumane attacks.

As the President and Vice President have stated, Russia is committing crimes against humanity. Entire towns and cities have been devastated by the attacks. Thousands of hospitals and schools have been bombed. Children have been abducted and relocated to Russia. Tens of thousands of civilians and fighters have been killed and injured as a result of the conflict. And over 13 million people have had to flee their homes.

Despite this unimaginable anguish and destruction, the resolve of the Ukrainian people is strong. Ukraine remains free and determined to repel Russian aggression. And with American and international support, Russia has failed in its objective of conquering Ukraine, and we have been successful in helping to defend global democracy.

Over the past year, I was proud to lead this Committee and the Congress in the passage of four supplemental bills and two appropriations packages that include over $62.9 billion in security assistance. At the same time, the United States has led allies and partners who have committed an additional $50 billion in security assistance to Ukraine. All of this funding has been instrumental in ensuring Ukraine’s military strength, providing economic support, addressing the humanitarian toll of the war, and enforcing sanctions against Russia.

I echo Ranking Member McCollum’s remarks that we are gathered here today to learn more about how these resources have been used, what support has had the biggest impact, and what more can be done to continue to support this fight as Russia’s tactics develop.

The United States must continue to be a strong partner in the fight to protect global democracy, and I remain committed to ensuring Ukraine has the necessary resources to defend its independence. The safety and security of our world depend on it.

I look forward to hearing from our witnesses and to continue ro work closely with you. Thank you again, Chairman Calvert and Ranking Member McCollum. I yield back.

Subcommittees: 
118th Congress