A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers has penned a letter to their House colleagues, urging swift action on their border and foreign aid bill introduced last week.
Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Jared Golden (D-Maine) authored the letter, which garnered signatures from four Republicans and four Democrats. The missive calls for immediate consideration of the “Defending Borders, Defending Democracies Act,” emphasizing the pressing need to address critical international issues.
In the letter addressed to the full House, the lawmakers underscored the urgency of supporting Ukraine in its struggle to defend democracy and sovereignty. They emphasized the effectiveness of American military assistance in aiding Ukraine’s fight against external threats.
The proposed bill allocates $66.32 billion for a one-year period, with significant funding earmarked for key regions and initiatives. Notably, $47.69 billion is designated for Ukraine, reflecting the importance of bolstering its defense capabilities.
Additionally, the bill allocates $10.4 billion for Israel, nearly $5 billion for the Indo-Pacific region, and $2.4 billion for U.S. Central Command operations. This comprehensive approach aims to address critical military needs while ensuring prudent allocation of resources.
One notable provision of the bill is the reinstatement of the “Remain in Mexico” immigration policy, reminiscent of measures implemented during the Trump administration. However, the proposal has drawn mixed reactions, with some Democrats expressing reservations and conservatives seeking more robust measures.
In their letter, the lawmakers stressed the importance of balancing national security interests with fiscal responsibility. They emphasized the bill’s focus on essential military support for Ukraine and Israel, while advocating for international humanitarian assistance to address broader humanitarian concerns.
Representative Fitzpatrick highlighted the need for the House to present viable alternatives rather than dismissing proposals from the Senate outright. He emphasized the bipartisan nature of the Senate’s proposals and called for proactive engagement in crafting effective legislative solutions.
“The Senate has now put forth two bipartisan proposals. The House has not put any forward until this,” Fitzpatrick remarked, urging constructive dialogue and action to address pressing international challenges.
