A group of lawmakers recently implored the Trump Administration to release $250 million in authorized military security assistance for Ukraine.
Sens. Rob Portman (R-OH), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ron Johnson (R-WI) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) have forwarded correspondence to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Mick Mulvaney regarding the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.
“This body has long advocated for increasing the military capacity and capabilities of Ukraine—a fledgling democracy that is pro-West and pro-United States and since 2014 has been under increased military, political and economic pressure from Russia,” the Senators wrote. “The funds designated for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative are vital to the long term viability of the Ukrainian military. It has helped Ukraine develop the independent military capabilities and skills necessary to fend off the Kremlin’s continued onslaughts within its territory.”
The correspondence was generated in the wake of media reports the administration is holding the funds, which were authorized and appropriated by Congress on a bipartisan basis.
The letter underscores Senate efforts to provide funding for a security assistance program for Ukraine, authorities said. The initiative encourages and urges the OMB to authorize the Department of Defense to obligate the funds immediately.