The U.S. House vote to send aid to Ukraine split the Oklahoma House Delegation’s vote on Saturday. U.S. Representatives Frank Lucas, Tom Cole, and Stephanie Bice voted for the measure, while Congressmen Kevin Hern and Josh Brecheen voted against the funding.
The Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act passed by a margin of 311 to 112. It will provide nearly $61 billion in aid to Ukraine.
The aid package for Taiwan had Hern’s support along with Lucas, Cole, and Bice. However, Brecheen also voted against that package. The Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act sends more than $8 billion in support to that region.
All five members of the Oklahoma Delegation voted for the $26 billion for Israel.
Brecheen says his no vote on Ukraine aid is due to the lack of action by the Biden Administration on border security.
“It is irresponsible to send another $60 billion (on top of the $113 billion we have already sent) to fund the war in Ukraine, when our own border remains wide open and our national debt is nearing $35 trillion,” said Brecheen.
However, both Cole and Bice say that aid is critical to national security.
“The safety and defense of the nation is our fundamental duty. At a time of such turmoil in the world, America can’t cower to evil. I proudly voted to stand firmly on the side of freedom. These measures protect our friends and partners, bolster American defense, and support the security of the free world. This House just showed tyrants and despots who wish harm upon us and our allies that we will not waver as the beacon of leadership and liberty,” said Cole.
“Russia, Iran, and China are seeking to form a new axis of evil, threatening the safety and security of the free world. The national security supplemental provides resources needed to counter the threats we face in each theater. Israel is facing an unprecedented threat from Iran, who just last weekend undertook its first direct strike on our greatest ally in the Middle East. China is watching how we respond with their eyes turned towards Taiwan. When it comes to Ukraine, I sought to add an amendment which would have eliminated non-lethal aid, totaling $10.38 billion, from the bill. While this amendment was not adopted, I believe that the only surefire way to prevent American boots on the ground is to provide Ukraine with the lethal aid they need to counter Putin’s aggression. I will closely monitor this aid and ensure that the Inspector General overseeing Ukraine aid allocates these dollars in an effective way. While America faces numerous domestic challenges, we cannot afford to stand on the sidelines when we are faced with a new Churchill or Chamberlain moment,” said Bice.
The measures now move to the U.S. Senate.
Pathetic. Absolutely pathetic.