Defending Democracy: The US Must Provide Additional Military Aid to Ukraine
QUICK READ: The brutal war in Ukraine is at a critical juncture. Congress must disregard MAGA Republican efforts to block additional military assistance. Kyiv needs advanced weapon systems to help drive out the Russian invaders and diminish Putin’s imperialist ambitions.
CONTENTS:
BACKGROUND
In its February 10 headline, The Guardian said it all: “Outgunned and exhausted: what hope for Ukraine if US aid dries up?”
We must acknowledge that conditions on the battlefield are dire. Since Ukraine’s successful counteroffensive a year ago, it’s been on the defensive, and, in some zones, Russia has made small, but significant, gains.
The cost to Ukraine, in men and materiel, has been substantial. And President Zelensky’s sacking of the Armed Forces Commander and his call for a new strategy underscore Ukraine’s precarious position.
Putin’s arrogant interview with his supplicant Tucker Carlson, in which he offered to negotiate with Washington on Moscow’s terms, clearly demonstrates the Russian dictator’s new self-confidence.
President Biden accurately depicts the conflict as both a battle between a repressive dictatorship and a fledgling democracy and a defense of NATO’s eastern flank. Trump, however, is encouraging Russia to be more aggressive against both Ukraine and NATO allies.
In lockstep with Trump, MAGA Republicans remain committed to discrediting Ukraine, and Speaker Johnson is threatening not to bring to the House floor the foreign aid bill working its way through the Senate that would provide Ukraine with $61.4 billion in new military assistance.
ACTION One: Call the Senate.
Script for Oregon Senators
SEN. MERKLEY: Portland office: 503-326-3386 | D.C. office: 202-224-3753
My name is [--] and I'm a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
We, and our NATO allies, must continue to provide Ukraine with the military assistance it needs to persevere. As your constituent, I’m calling to insist that you support the foreign aid package currently before the Senate without any amendments that would alter the $61.4 billion earmarked for Ukraine. In light of Donald Trump’s horrifically irresponsible comments about NATO this weekend, it’s critical that we confirm through our actions that America will, in fact, stand with its allies.
*SEN. WYDEN:* Portland office: 503-326-7525 | D.C. office: 202-224-5244
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
We, and our NATO allies, must continue to provide Ukraine with the military assistance it needs to persevere. As your constituent, I’m calling to insist that you support the foreign aid package currently before the Senate without any amendments that would alter the $61.4 billion earmarked for Ukraine. In light of Donald Trump’s horrifically irresponsible comments about NATO this weekend, it’s critical that we confirm through our actions that America will, in fact, stand with its allies.
Script for Republican Senators
D.C switchboard: 202-224-3121
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], [state], [zip code].
We, and our NATO allies, must continue to provide Ukraine with the military assistance it needs to persevere. As your constituent, I’m calling to insist that you support the foreign aid package currently before the Senate without any amendments that would alter the $61.4 billion earmarked for Ukraine. In light of Donald Trump’s horrifically irresponsible comments about NATO this weekend, it’s critical that we confirm through our actions that America will, in fact, stand with its allies.
ACTION TWO: Call the House.
Script for Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01)
Oregon office: 503-469-6010 | DC office: 202-225-0855
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
Sometime in the next few days, the Senate seems likely to pass a $95 billion package that includes aid for Israel, Taiwan, and Ukraine. As your constituent, I am calling on you to support that package when it comes to the House and be prepared to do whatever it takes, including using a discharge petition, to get it passed. Aid for Ukraine is that important to me.
Script for Cliff Bentz (OR-02)
Medford office: 541-776-4646 | DC office: 202-225-6730
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
Sometime in the next few days, the Senate seems likely to pass a $95 billion package that includes aid for Israel, Taiwan, and Ukraine. As your constituent, I am calling on you to support that package when it comes to the House and be prepared to do whatever it takes, including using a discharge petition, to get it passed. Aid for Ukraine is that important to me.
Script for Earl Blumenauer (OR-03)
Oregon office: 503-231-2300 | DC office: 202-225-4811
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
Sometime in the next few days, the Senate seems likely to pass a $95 billion package that includes aid for Israel, Taiwan, and Ukraine. As your constituent, I am calling on you to support that package when it comes to the House and be prepared to do whatever it takes, including using a discharge petition, to get it passed. Aid for Ukraine is that important to me.
Script for Val Hoyle (OR-04)
Eugene office: 541-465-6732 | DC office: 202-225-6416
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
Sometime in the next few days, the Senate seems likely to pass a $95 billion package that includes aid for Israel, Taiwan, and Ukraine. As your constituent, I am calling on you to support that package when it comes to the House and be prepared to do whatever it takes, including using a discharge petition, to get it passed. Aid for Ukraine is that important to me.
Script for Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05)
Salem office: 503-588-9100 | DC office: 202-225-5711
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
Sometime in the next few days, the Senate seems likely to pass a $95 billion package that includes aid for Israel, Taiwan, and Ukraine. As your constituent, I am calling on you to support that package when it comes to the House and be prepared to do whatever it takes, including using a discharge petition, to get it passed. Aid for Ukraine is that important to me.
Script for Andrea Salinas (OR-06)
Salem office: 503-385-0906 | DC office: 202-225-5643
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
Sometime in the next few days, the Senate seems likely to pass a $95 billion package that includes aid for Israel, Taiwan, and Ukraine. As your constituent, I am calling on you to support that package when it comes to the House and be prepared to do whatever it takes, including using a discharge petition, to get it passed. Aid for Ukraine is that important to me.
FURTHER READING
Outgunned and exhausted: what hope for Ukraine if US military aid dries up?
Senate advances Ukraine aid bill despite Trump opposition
Putin to U.S.: Let’s Make a Deal on Ukraine (on My Terms)
Ukraine and Israel Aid Bill Inches Ahead as Divided G.O.P. Demands Changes
Republicans are turning against Ukraine
NATO chief says Donald Trump’s comments ‘undermine all our security’
Speaker Johnson rejects Senate’s Israel, Ukraine aid package
