Murray Remarks in Support of National Security Supplemental and Opposition to Effort to Table It
***WATCH: Senator Murray's floor remarks***
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, spoke on the Senate floor in opposition to a motion to table the national security supplemental.
Senator Murray’s remarks, as delivered, are below:
“I’ve spoken quite a bit about how the votes we cast as United States Senators for this funding have tremendous consequence. I’ve talked about how whether or not we deliver this aid, especially to Ukraine… is a question of whether or not America will stand by its [word] and stand by its allies.
“How we all decide to vote on this bill could not be more important. It was just last night we heard the presumptive Republican nominee for President openly encourage Russia to attack our NATO allies.
“All of us in this chamber, all of us, understand those words have consequences. Our friends and adversaries alike listen to what major political leaders here in America have to say about issues of global concern.
“But as my colleagues know—our votes matter tremendously as well. Action, legislation that actually gets signed into law, $60 billion to support our Ukrainian allies—that sends a lot more than a message to Putin, it sends badly-needed ammunition and weapons to Ukraine so that they can put an end to Russia’s bloody invasion.
“So I urge every one of my colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, to join me, not only sending a message: to our friends, that they can still count on America to stand by its word; to our adversaries, that they cannot invade sovereign democracies unchecked and unanswered; to civilians caught in conflict around the world, that America will deliver help—food, and medicine, and more.
“But to join me in voting against this tabling motion so we can finally take action and show the world that Congress is united when it comes to American leadership and resolve on the world stage.
“We have been negotiating for months now, trying to get this funding over the finish line—let’s all recognize that each time we falter our adversaries have not been subtle in making a show of it, claiming that America will not do anything to protect its friends and allies. This, this is the time to prove them wrong!
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: those of us who understand the gravity of this moment are ready to stay here as long as it takes to get this done, but I hope we will all be able to come together quickly to get this done as soon as possible. Thank you."
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