Rep. Mike Kelly statement on supporting new Ukraine aid package

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) released the following statement on his decision to support the $40 billion aid package for Ukraine in their efforts to defend their nation against Russia.

"Russia's relentless aggression against Ukraine requires a strong, global response," Kelly said. "I supported the latest aid package for Ukraine because this aid allows Ukraine to fight their own war without our own forces getting directly involved. Showing strong leadership on the global stage now also shows other nations, such as China and North Korea, that they should think twice before potentially attacking American allies around the world because the U.S. will always defend freedom."

BACKGROUND
On Tuesday, May 10, by a vote of 368-57, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a $40 billion aid package to support Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression. Included in that aid is:

• $24 billion for critical support to Ukraine and frontline states in Eastern Europe to defend against and deter Russian aggression. That includes $8.7 billion to backfill Department of Defense inventory following military equipment transfers to Ukraine.
• $15 million to ensure hardship pay for U.S. troops deployed to NATO countries in the region.