Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) issued the following statement regarding the passage of national security legislation through the House of Representatives:

"Democracy is not a given, it is fought for and defended every single day. For months, we have abandoned our Ukrainian friends in that fight. The delay in foreign aid, driven by Republican dysfunction, has been as encouraging to our adversaries as it is devastating to our global partners. So today I am relieved to finally be able to deliver critical support to Ukraine. With this vote, we not only move towards defeating Putin’s authoritarian regime, but send a strong signal to President Xi and others who may want to follow in Russia’s stead.  

I am also glad to have passed legislation to fund our allies in Israel and the Indo-Pacific and to deliver critical humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people. At a time of global tension this comprehensive national security package will serve as an important first step towards the restoration of stability."