WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement today after the House voted to pass the national security supplemental.

“Today’s passage of the security supplemental is extremely important, both for our interests and to the brave people of Ukraine. It quite literally is the difference between life and death for thousands of Ukrainians. This critical military aid will give them a fighting chance to defend their country. It will be their best chance to prevent Vladimir Putin from seizing Ukraine and pushing beyond it into neighboring countries. In passing this package, the House demonstrates our commitment to the rules-based international order that has been so beneficial to the American people for decades.

“These bills also address crucial humanitarian and security concerns in Israel and the Indo-Pacific. This package invests in our industrial base, translating to good-paying jobs for hardworking Americans. For all those reasons, I am proud to have voted for this package.

“I only regret that so many Ukrainian lives and strategic opportunities were lost in the months it took for House leadership to act. In passing this bill with overwhelming bipartisan support, I hope that my skeptical colleagues in Congress realize that national security and the security of our allies is a matter of great national importance. I urge the Senate to move quickly to pass this package so that President Biden can sign it into law.”

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