McCollum Chairs Hearing with U.S. European Command As Russian Attacks in Ukraine Intensify

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04), Chair of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, led a classified hearing this morning to receive testimony from General Tod Wolters, Commander, U.S. European Command and NATO Supreme Allied Commander, for details on Russia's military assault on Ukraine, the response from Ukrainian resistance, and U.S. military activities in the European theater to support Ukraine's military operations.

Chair McCollum released the following statement:

"After 77 years of relative peace in Europe, a brutal and unprovoked war against the people of Ukraine is being waged by Russia," Chair McCollum said. "More than two million Ukrainian people are now refugees; millions more Ukrainians are trapped, facing aerial and ground attacks from Russian forces while desperately trying to find the basic necessities of food, water, and shelter. In this critical moment, this subcommittee has already approved more than $1.4 billion in assistance to Ukraine, and today Congress will approve an additional $13.6 billion provided by this subcommittee. Our subcommittee members heard from Gen. Wolters on the need for this vital supplemental aid that will help support Ukraine while also aiding our NATO allies against further aggression, defending democracies, and holding Vladimir Putin accountable. Our subcommittee is committed to working with the Biden administration and our allies and partners in Europe to respond to this emergency."

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