US gives Ukraine $40 billion in aid during 40-year high inflation

368 Republicans and Democrats voted Tuesday evening to provide $40 billion in aid to Ukraine, while Americans endure historically high inflation.

Late Tuesday night, the House voted to approve H.R. 7691, the Additional Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2022. In response to Russia’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine, the legislation would provide $40 billion in emergency funding to “support the Ukrainian people and defend global democracy.”

The legislation, among other things, provide:

• $350 million for Migration and Refugee Assistance for refugee outflows from Ukraine
• $4 billion for the Foreign Military Financing Program to support Ukraine and countries affected by the conflict in Ukraine, including “NATO Eastern flank countries.”
• $500 million to support the specialized facilities of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to support Ukraine’s economic and energy needs.

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), who voted against the legislation, said the Ukraine aid billion spent “more on all U.S. roads and bridges” than the country spends in a year.

Massie said this is “something to think about the next time you are stuck in traffic or replacing a bent rim.”

“I’m voting against tonight’s reckless $40B Ukraine spending bill,” Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), a former Freedom Caucus chair, said. “Pelosi rushed the bill to the House floor without hearings or time for members to adequately review the bill. I oppose Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but we can’t help Ukraine by spending money we don’t have.”

“Instead of $40 billion more of our tax dollars going to Ukraine and billions more going to other Biden priorities like so-called “global disinformation,” let’s put America first for a change,” Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) said.