Ranking Member McCollum Statement at Ukraine Oversight Hearing

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Defense Subcommittee, delivered the following remarks at the Subcommittee's hearing on Ukraine overisght:

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I would also like to welcome our witnesses. 

There is no question that this has been quite a year. We have witnessed horrific actions by the Government of Russia, the heroic efforts of the Ukrainian people to defend their homes, and the incredible effort of the U.S. and our NATO and E.U. partners to support Ukraine in their time of need.

When the invasion began, no one thought that Ukraine could withstand the overwhelming force Russia threw against it.

And they continue to stand strong.

I want to strongly commend the Biden administration for their efforts, and for the bipartisan support that the Congress has provided, and I hope will continue to provide.

Our actions are more than just providing ammunition, equipment and bilateral support to Ukraine.  

By taking a strong stand against Russian aggression in Ukraine now, we are saying loud and clear to Russia and to others that attacks on burgeoning democracies are unacceptable.

This is a global perspective – last week a U.N. resolution calling on Russia to leave Ukraine passed with 141 votes, out of a total of 193 countries.

Since taking office, the Biden administration has notified more than $33.5 billion in security assistance to Ukraine from a total enacted funding level of $62.9 billion.  

This does not include the $26 billion in presidential drawdown authority under the purview of the President. 

We continue to see the important impact that the weapons, equipment, and tools the United States and our allies provided have had, especially with Ukraine’s successful counteroffensive last fall.

Given the sheer amount of equipment transfers, it would be helpful for the briefers to provide the Committee with the methodology the Department is using to ensure the equipment is provided to the appropriate Ukrainian units for usage. 

It would also be helpful for you to share what you believe has been the most vital piece of military equipment provided by the United States to the Ukrainians – and what will be most vital going forward into 2023.

Even with the support by the United States and our allies, Putin appears to be fully invested in tearing Ukraine apart.

His speech last week harkened back to the 21-year war by Peter the Great to win the Northern War - an ominous omen.  

Putin has decided to pardon prisoners by the thousands in exchange for military service, and he has called up three hundred thousand additional reservists.

In light of Putin’s continued escalation in Ukraine, I look forward to hearing the briefers perspectives on what military and diplomatic tools remain for the U.S. and our allies to use that could impact Putin’s calculus.

With that, I thank the Chairman for holding this hearing and I yield back.