U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum: Long-Range Missiles a Proportionate Response to Russian Escalation in Ukraine

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, released the following statement in response to reporting that President Biden approved the use of long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) by the Ukrainian Armed Forces: 

“Allowing the Armed Forces of Ukraine to use long-range missiles is an appropriate and necessary response to Russia’s severe escalation of their war on the people of Ukraine. In recent months, Russia has escalated their aggression toward Ukrainian civilians, broadened their attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, and engaged North Korean troops in their illegal invasion. 

“Ukraine has a right to defend itself against Putin’s vicious attack on Ukraine’s sovereign territory. Long-range missiles will help Ukraine keep the heat on and thwart Putin’s attempt to freeze or starve thousands of Ukrainian civilians this winter.

“The United States must never stand idly by and allow an autocrat to take a democratic nation by force.”

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