WASHINGTON, DC – Two months after the U.S. Senate passed a comprehensive bipartisan national security supplemental appropriations bill, the U.S. House of Representatives finally approved a revised version, sending the matter back to the U.S. Senate.  This week, the Senate will consider a $95.3 billion package that includes critical support for Ukraine, Israel, humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians, and integrated deterrence efforts in the Indo-Pacific.  The measure also includes $3.3 billion for the U.S. submarine industrial base, as well as support for operations to keep international shipping safe in the Red Sea and to crack down on fentanyl trafficking.

U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, supports the comprehensive national security package and issued the following statement in advance of Senate floor action:

“I support this package because it will help protect the American people, strengthen our nation, and advance U.S. interests.  This critical military and humanitarian aid package delivers assistance to help our allies and partners repel brutal, illegal attacks and save lives. 

“It’s an investment in deterrence and preventing war from escalating and spreading.  It’s an investment in helping Ukraine defend itself against Putin’s tyranny and aggression.  And it’s an investment in replenishing America’s supplies, equipment, and our arsenal of democracy.  At a critical moment, it will help bolster our alliances and partnerships by showing the world -- friend and foe alike -- that America keeps its word and is a powerful force for peace, freedom, and global stability.

“Critically, this package includes $3.3 billion to further strengthen the submarine industrial base.  It will boost shipyard capacity and help American workers build the next generation of submarines our forces need to control the seas.

“An overwhelming majority of Democrats and Republicans came together to advance this legislation in the House and the Senate should follow suit.  This bill is not perfect, but it is urgently needed.  And make no mistake, this bill is not an endorsement of Netanyahu’s approach to war in Gaza.  But it is a solemn promise that America will defend the Israeli people and help ensure regional stability in the Middle East.

“Failure to pass this investment now would make America less safe and impose significant future costs.

“It’s time for responsible Senators from both parties to act in the best interest of U.S. security and global stability and pass this bill.”