U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), a ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced the Guaranteeing Ukraine’s Autonomy by Reinforcing its Defense Act (GUARD Act), legislation to provide critical support to Ukraine as it faces the threat of an invasion from Russia. Among other, this legislation authorizes $450 million in Foreign Military Financing for Ukraine for the year 2022.
Senator Jim Rich said that he can't just sit back and wait for Russia to attack Ukraine.
“As Ukraine faces yet another build-up of Russian troops on its border and the threat of a mid-January invasion, the United States should be doing everything it can right now to deter Russia and provide Ukraine the supplies and support it needs to defend itself,” said Risch. “Since the administration has failed to act, I have introduced legislation that would provide immediate material support to Ukraine. We cannot sit back and wait to react to Russian aggression. Congress must continue its strong support for the Ukrainian people and their right to sovereignty and self-defense.”
According to the senator, the legislation:
·Substantially and immediately increases material support for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, including funding for weaponry, training, and military reform.
·Authorizes $450 million in Foreign Military Financing for Ukraine for the year 2022.
·Would replenish the presidential drawdown authority account should the president use all currently available funds to support Ukraine.
·Strengthens sanctions on Nord Stream 2, a Russian malign influence project designed to undermine Ukraine and threaten European energy security.
·Establishes diplomatic and military deterrents to counter Russian aggression:
·Designates Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism in the event its forces further invade Ukraine.
·Limits security risks related to U.S.-Russian military cooperation.
·Reaffirms U.S. policy of unwavering commitment to Ukrainian sovereignty.
Text of the legislation can be found here.