U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) today spoke emphatically on the floor of the House of Representatives in favor of S.3522, the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act to send more American supplies and weaponry to Ukraine to help defeat Russia’s barbaric invasion.

Representing one of the largest Ukrainian American communities in the United States, Pascrell has been a longtime critic of Vladimir Putin’s criminal regime and has demanded harsh punishment for Putin and the Russian economy and continuous aid for Ukraine.

On March 11, 2022, Rep. Pascrell called on President Biden to significantly raise the number of refugees our nation resettles and accelerate refugee resettlement for Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s illegal invasion. Pascrell urged the President to create an expedited process for those with familial ties to legal permanent residents in the United States. Soon thereafter, the President raised the refugee cap to 100,000.

The text of Rep. Pascrell’s prepared remarks is below.

Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr.

Floor Remarks on the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act

Madame/Mr. Speaker, Russia is committing war crimes.

Russia is bombing hospitals. 

Russian soldiers are violating women and murdering children.

Russia is seeking the total destruction of Ukraine. 

Against all odds, Ukraine and the Ukrainian people have pushed Russia back. Russia and Putin are losing.

But this war will not end soon. Putin is deranged and humiliated. The violence will only intensify.

It is the responsibility of our government and every single American to support the Ukrainian people.

Before Pearl Harbor, America enacted the Lend Lease Act to keep democracy alive.

Our legislation channels the same spirit and purpose.

In 1940, FDR awakened America’s Arsenal of Democracy. With it, we preserved freedom.

With our action today we reawaken that Arsenal of Democracy once more.

We again are witnessing a conflict of civilization versus darkness, of freedom versus tyranny.

Our district has one of the largest Ukrainian American populations in America. They cry out for help.

The brave Ukrainian people have undaunted courage. They must know America stands with them no matter what.

Thank you and God bless Ukraine and her people.