Upgrading Ukraine; Punishing Putin

by | Mar 28, 2022 | Regional News

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Hi there,

We have all been watching what has been happening in Ukraine over these past couple weeks – a ruthless Russian invasion and an incredible display of courage and resilience by the Ukrainian people.

Michiganders, especially those in the Ukrainian-American community, have been standing up to show their support.

And whether it’s calling into my office or speaking with me on the ground, folks from across the 8th District have been making it clear they want Congress to act. With that in mind, I want to lay out the four pieces of concrete legislation I have introduced to support Ukraine’s fight for freedom. I have also linked to the actual text of the bills, so you can review them yourself.

The Ukraine Lend-Lease Act

The Ukrainian people have no shortage of courage and bravery, but they do need Stinger missiles and Javelin anti-tank systems. To provide Ukraine with the might of American firepower, the bipartisan Ukraine Lend-Lease Act:

  • Authorizes the President to lend or lease military equipment to Ukraine to bolster their defensive capabilities
  • Streamlines the process of providing defense equipment support to Ukraine
  • Requires the administration develop procedures to expedite the delivery of equipment to Ukraine

You can view the full text of the bill here.

The American Energy for Europe Act

Because of Europe’s dependence on Russian energy, they have been restrained in their ability to respond to Putin’s aggression. To help wean them off Russian oil and gas, while also supporting American manufacturing, the bipartisan American Energy for Europe Act:

  • Creates a Department of Energy program to reduce the reliance of European countries on Russian energy
  • Provides supplies and equipment to European allies
  • Requires that the Secretary of Energy only approve projects that promote U.S. manufacturing

You can view the full text of the bill here.

The DICTATOR Act:

While the world focuses on Ukraine, I haven’t taken my eye off China and their relationship with Russia. Introduced with my colleague Rep. Young Kim (R-CA), the DICTATOR Act:

  • Requires the State Department to conduct an investigation to determine whether China has helped Russia evade sanctions
  • Directs the State Department to develop a strategy to block efforts by China to help Russia evade sanctions.

You can view the full text of the bill here.

Stop Russian Gold Act:

The Russians are feeling the heat of U.S. sanctions, and we must slam shut every door they could use to evade them. Introduced by equal numbers of Republicans and Democrats, the Stop Russian GOLD Act:

  • Closes a loophole to prevent Russia from using its gold reserves to evade sanctions
  • Directs the U.S. Treasury Department to develop guidelines for American citizens to ensure they do not unwillingly invest in Russian gold
    Is co-sponsored by equal numbers of Republicans and Democrats

You can view the full text of the bill here.

 

How do you think Congress should address this crisis? And how do you feel about the work I have done so far? I am always looking for input from folks back home, so please submit your thoughts below. 

  

 

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In addition to these bills, I have been urging the Biden administration to take deliberate steps to ramp-up our support for the Ukrainian armed forces, impose more devastating sanctions, and work with international partners to alleviate the compounding humanitarian and refugee crises.

Sending weapons such as Javelin missiles and Switchback drones, levying additional sanctions like cutting more banks off from SWIFT and seizing the assets of Russian oligarchs, and finally taking steps to support civilians while they evacuate through humanitarian corridors and after they cross the border, will inflict serious damage on the Putin regime and bolster the Ukrainian people.

I have been struck by the unity and resolve with which America has confronted this crisis. In Washington, and across the country, we are united in our commitment to freedom over tyranny. 

– Rep. Elissa Slotkin