Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04), Vice Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 5692, the Ukraine Security Assistance and Oversight Supplemental Appropriations Act. This legislation, originally included in the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal year 2024, was removed to allow for independent debate and vote. The legislation passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support and with Cole’s support.
“As we prepare for the possibility of similar aggression in other parts of the world, the Indo-Pacific and elsewhere, we must enhance our deterrence of war by following through in cases where it does occur,” said Cole. “We must stand firmly against Putin’s brutal, illegal aggression for the sake of a peaceful world where people can live safely, economies can flourish and tyranny is put on notice. In doing so, we also reassure our nation’s many treaty allies in Europe of our resolve and show Putin and Communist China that the U.S. stands strong for freedom for the long term.
“I understand and share concerns about the president’s slow implementation of aid, his lack of communication about our purpose and objectives and about ensuring robust oversight and accountability. But I am pleased that this legislation involves the American people in those important discussions and ultimately improved the likelihood of passing critical funding for the Department of Defense, so we can support our service members and our strategic missions at home and abroad. I was proud to support its passage.”
