11.05.2022 06:40

The lower house of U.S. Congress passed Bill H.R. 7691, which provides for an additional allocation of about $40 billion to respond to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

The document saw support of 368 legislators with 57 opposing it. The bill will now be submitted to Senate, an Ukrinform correspondent notes.

According to Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, the author of the bill, Ukraine needs urgent help and the United States is “morally obligated” to provide it, to help end the grievous loss of life, bring Putin and his allies to justice, and defend global democracy.

The bill seeks to help Ukraine defend its sovereignty and democracy, hold the Russian leadership accountable, address food security concerns around the world as a result of the war, and provide important support for refugees.

On April 28, US President Joe Biden tabled in Congress a proposal to extend a new package of response to Russia’s aggression, which provided for the allocation of $33 billion in support of Ukraine. In the process of elaborating on the legislation, lawmakers proposed additions, including several billion for food aid and military equipment for Ukraine.

For the legislation to take effect, it must be approved by U.S. Senate and signed by President.

As Ukrinform reported, on Monday Biden signed off a lend-lease law, which opens additional opportunities for launching a program of accelerated assistance to Ukraine. At the same time, in order to implement the said assistance, it needs to be filled with real tools and decisions to allocate the necessary funds.

(C)UNIAN 2022