Corker: Foreign Relations Committee Unanimously Approves Ukraine Freedom Support Act

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, praised the committee’s unanimous passage (18-0) today of bipartisan legislation that expands sanctions on Russia’s defense, financial and energy sectors, as well as provides lethal military and non-military assistance for Ukraine.  Earlier in the day, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko addressed a joint session of Congress in which he appealed to the U.S. for lethal military aid to help defend his country’s sovereignty after Russia illegally annexed Crimea and invaded eastern Ukraine to support a pro-Russian rebellion.

“As Ukrainian President Poroshenko eloquently described today, the success of his country’s fight for freedom is important for the U.S., Europe and the world, so I’m pleased the committee has responded with tougher sanctions on Russia and lethal military aid to help develop Ukraine's ability to protect its sovereignty,” said Corker.

The Ukraine Freedom Support Act, coauthored by Corker and Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), would also provide Ukraine with energy, defense sector, and civil society assistance; establish Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia as major Non-NATO allies; and expand broadcasting programs to counter Russian propaganda in countries of the former Soviet Union.

Last week, Corker and Menendez wrote Speaker Boehner requesting that President Poroshenko receive an invitation to speak before Congress.  

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