Byrne Statement on Ukraine Aid Package

Washington, DC – March 28, 2014 – Yesterday afternoon, Representative Bradley Byrne (AL-1) supported passage of H.R. 4278, the Ukraine Support Act. This aid package includes a combination of foreign aid and support for democracy in the East European nation and sanctions directed at the Russian Federation.

Byrne said: "As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I strongly believe the United States must step up and provide support for our ally whose sovereignty is under attack. The passage of this aid package for Ukraine is a positive step forward. Additionally, I am pleased to support sanctions in this bill that will have real impact on the Russian economy and on its leaders.

“However, we can and must do more to ensure that Russia does not continue to exert its influence in the absence of a strong NATO presence. We cannot continue to project weakness by failing to back up our word and allowing Vladimir Putin to take advantage of this Administration’s anemic foreign policy. Moving forward, I will work with my colleagues to support policies that protect the interests of the United States and our allies in this region, and place a check the expanding power of Putin.”