Ukraine's Ambassador to the U.S. Oksana Markarova has released details of a bill to support Ukraine that the U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to consider on Saturday after months of delay, UNN reports.
Details
The Ambassador recalled that House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, along with Defense Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert and State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart, released a number of important security bills that provide much-needed defense assistance to U.S. allies and partners. Three bills were released, one of which concerns Ukraine.
The draft law provides for $60.8 billion in assistance to Ukraine and regional partners to counter Russia
According to her, this includes defense spending of $49.9 billion, in particular:
- $23.2 billion - replenishment of defense goods and services provided to Ukraine;
- 11.3 billion - current US operations in the region;
- USD 13.8 billion - procurement of modern defense systems, defense goods and services;
- 1.6 billion in foreign military financing (FMF) to meet the needs of Ukraine and other regional partners.
According to her, the following funding is also provided:
- $26 million - to ensure oversight and accountability of aid and equipment provided to Ukraine;
- 5 million to the State Department for the administration of defense assistance;
- 300 million to help Ukraine secure its borders and promote the rule of law;
- 100 million to support mine action, counter-terrorism and non-proliferation programs.
The $9.5 billion is earmarked for economic assistance to Ukraine and countries affected by Russia's invasion of Ukraine:
- 7.849 billion for economic assistance to Ukraine, which may include direct budget support (except for pension refunds);
- 1.575 billion for other types of economic assistance to Ukraine and the affected countries;
- 25 million to the USAID Office of Transition Initiatives to support Ukraine and countries affected by the Russian invasion;
- 50 million to respond to the global food security situation.
According to her, there is also a provision for allocation:
- $149 million to the US National Nuclear Security Administration to respond to nuclear security situations in Ukraine.
- $481 million to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to help Ukrainians who received a humanitarian passport to the U.S. through the U4U program.
In addition, the draft law provides for additional funding to be used, among other things, to provide assistance to Ukraine and respond to the situation in our country related to the Russian invasion:
- 60 million dollars for diplomatic programs;
- 8 million dollars. Office of the Inspector General of the State Department;
- USD 39 million for USAID operating expenses;
- 10 million dollars. USAID Office of Inspector General;
- USD 98 million. To the US Department of Energy for the development and production of radioactive isotopes.
In addition, according to Markarova, the text:
- Supervision is strengthened through monitoring requirements;
- Requires partners and allies to provide assistance commensurate with the costs;
- It is envisaged to conclude an agreement with the Government of Ukraine on the return of funds provided for economic support;
- The limits under the PDA mechanism are being increased.
"The vote on these bills is expected this Saturday. We are not waiting, but continue to work actively with our colleagues in Congress," the ambassador said.