Kelly supports foreign aid package, legislation to secure the border

April 20, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) voted in favor of a series of bipartisan foreign aid packages that will support Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan and replenish U.S. defense industrial base supplies. On Saturday, Kelly also voted in favor House Republican-led border legislation "End The Border Catastrophe Act," which would secure the border and end disastrous Biden Administration border policies. House Democrats overwhelmingly opposed the End The Border Catastrophe Act, which is based off of the House Republicans-passed H.R. 2, The Secure The Border Act that passed in May 2023.

Statement on foreign aid legislation

"As global tensions rise, America must lead with peace through strength. Iran's direct and unprecedented attack on Israel last weekend is the latest provocation against America's top ally in the Middle East. The U.S. must continue to stand with Israel," said Rep. Kelly. "In recent months, we have seen Vladimir Putin gain the upper hand in Ukraine, further threatening stability across Europe. This money will allow us to build more weapons here at home and replenish America's defense industrial base. In Asia and across the Indo-Pacific, Taiwan deserves our support against continued Chinese military aggression. Most importantly, all of this aid comes with increased oversight and accountability. Together, these separate pieces of legislation unite around one common goal: the United States will stand up to bad actors wherever they are."

Statement on border legislation

"On Saturday, Democrats yet again proved they support illegal migrants over a secure border," Rep. Kelly said. "Once again, House Republicans demand the Biden Administration to enforce our border laws and the Senate to approve and pass House Republican-passed legislation to secure our borders. It's shameful that after three years of President Biden's disastrous open-border policies, which have allowed more than 10 million illegal migrants into the country, Democrats continue to ignore the crisis at our Southwest border. The End the Border Catastrophe Act builds upon the success of H.R. 2, The Secure The Border Act, which House Republicans first passed last May. This latest bill will close asylum loopholes, end catch-and-release, and reinstate successful Trump-era policies like 'Remain in Mexico.' I commend Speaker Johnson for including border legislation into today's series of votes."

You can read the one-pager explaining the foreign aid and border legislation here.

The Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024 (text)

Replenishes the Iron Dome and David’s Sling systems, critical resources that protect civilians and have no offensive capabilities.
Procures defensive weapons, artillery, and munitions.
Backs U.S. military operations responding to Iranian-backed terror.
Restocks defense articles and services provided to Israel.

The Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024 (text)

Provides weapons and lethal assistance to Ukraine to support their fight against Putin’s forcible invasion and attack of a sovereign nation.
Procures advanced weapons systems, defense articles, and defense services
Supports U.S. defense initiatives in the region.
Strengthens transparency, monitoring, and oversight of all aid provided.
Requires cost-matching requirements from other U.S. allies and implements a repayment agreement from the government of Ukraine

The Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024 (text)

Strengthens deterrence over Beijing’s growing military provocations around Taiwan.
Invests in submarine infrastructure, dry dock construction, and production of artillery and critical munitions.
Curbs the Chinese Communist Party’s strategy to acquire control over the Indo-Pacific region.
Enhances security cooperation with regional partners and supports U.S. military operations.

The "End the Border Catastrophe Act" (text)

Fixes our broken asylum system
Hires more Border Patrol agents and provide them with resources they need
Reinstates Trump-era policies like Remain in Mexico
Forces the Biden Administration to resume building the border wall