Austin News

U.S. Senators John Cornyn, Jeanne Shaheen, Tim Scott, and Chris Coons have introduced a bill to reauthorize the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act, allowing the President to enter into agreements with Ukraine for military equipment.

Senator Cornyn emphasized the need for additional assistance for Ukraine and urged his colleagues to pass the legislation promptly. He stated, “This legislation would ensure the U.S. is prepared to answer the call in a fiscally responsible way, and I urge my colleagues to pass it as soon as possible to help Ukraine defend its sovereignty.”

Senator Shaheen highlighted the importance of supporting Ukraine in the current conflict with Russia, stating, “As the world bears witness to the most serious security threat to Europe and our global stability since World War II, this legislation would reauthorize a tool for the U.S. government to lend or lease military equipment for Ukraine.”

Senator Scott emphasized the need to stand against aggression, stating, “Reauthorizing the lend-lease authority provides a way to support Ukraine’s ability to defend its people against Russia in a manner that won’t overburden American taxpayers.”

Senator Coons emphasized the significance of maintaining a strong partnership with Ukraine, stating, “Without our strong, sustained partnership, Ukraine will struggle to keep Russian forces at bay. The U.S. cannot risk wavering in our defense of democracy, which is why we must reauthorize the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act.”

The bill aims to reauthorize the enhanced lend-lease authority through Fiscal Year 2026, remove the cap on loaning or leasing defense articles to allies, and enable streamlined transfer of defense articles to countries impacted by Russian aggression. The Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act was initially signed into law on May 9, 2022, and expired on September 30, 2023.