Rep. Calvert Statement on Security Supplemental Bills

Today, Defense Appropriations Chairman Ken Calvert (CA-41) joined House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole and State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) in releasing critical security supplemental bills that provide much-needed defense assistance to our allies and partners around the world.

“America’s national security sits at a dangerous precipice that requires clear-eyed decisions about what actions will best protect the American people and our allies,” said Rep. Calvert. “President Biden’s failure of leadership with Iran, China, and Russia, does not shrink the responsibility of this Congress to strengthen our defense. Our key ally Israel is facing direct attacks and an existential threat from Iran and the proxies it funds to murder, rape and kidnap Israelis. Those proxies have also killed three U.S. servicemembers and continue to attempt strikes on our military in the region.”

“Putin continues with his invasion of Ukraine, murdering civilians and encroaching westward toward NATO allies in the region. Make no mistake – the risk of our NATO allies and the U.S. military becoming engaged in a deadly conflict in Europe increases substantially if Russia is allowed to march through Ukraine. Stopping Putin’s aggression is absolutely in America’s national security interest. Let’s also be clear that the funding in this bill is not a blank check for Ukraine. The Ukraine bill includes funding for the U.S. military’s ongoing operations in the region, significant funding to refill munition production in America, requirements that our allies pay their fair share, and a repayment provision.”

“I commend Speaker Johnson and Chairman Cole for working with our colleagues to address reasonable concerns and priorities in these bills for their consideration. We can no longer delay these vital investments in our national security. America and our allies must project a unified front that is unmistakable in the dark corners of Tehran, Moscow, and Beijing.”

The Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024 (text)

• Replenishes the Iron Dome and David’s Sling systems, critical resources that protect civilians and have no offensive capabilities.
• Procures defensive weapons, artillery, and munitions.
• Backs U.S. military operations responding to Iranian-backed terror.
• Restocks defense articles and services provided to Israel.

 
The Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024 (text)

• Provides weapons and lethal assistance to Ukraine to support their fight against Putin’s forcible invasion and attack of a sovereign nation.
• Procures advanced weapons systems, defense articles, and defense services.
• Supports U.S. defense initiatives in the region.
• Strengthens transparency, monitoring, and oversight of all aid provided.
• Requires cost-matching requirements from other U.S. allies and implements a repayment agreement from the government of Ukraine.

 
The Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024 (text)

• Strengthens deterrence over Beijing’s growing military provocations around Taiwan.
• Invests in submarine infrastructure, dry dock construction, and production of artillery and critical munitions.
• Curbs the Chinese Communist Party’s strategy to acquire control over the Indo-Pacific region.
• Enhances security cooperation with regional partners and supports U.S. military operations.

A summary of the bills is available here.
 

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