(WNY News Now) – Washington D.C. – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney of New York’s 24th district backtracked on Ukraine support by voting against the $60.84 billion Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2024, despite professing support for Ukraine amidst Putin’s invasion.
In a 311-112 House vote, with one present, H.R. 8035 passed, allocating significant aid to Ukraine. Tenney’s decision drew attention as she aligned herself with former President Trump, whom she cited regarding aid as loans rather than grants. She criticized President Biden’s authority to forgive loans, urging accountability in future administrations. Tenney highlighted European allies’ responsibility, urging them to contribute more and address energy policies fostering dependence on Russian resources.
“I care deeply about the courageous people of Ukraine and the perilous situation they face against Putin’s unprovoked invasion and his diabolical actions against civilians, and particularly children. However, once again, instead of outlining a long-term plan for addressing the war in Ukraine, we’re hastily throwing billions of taxpayer dollars at a problem without a clear solution or exit strategy,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “While I appreciate the bill’s provisions requiring a plan for taxpayer spending, it’s imprudent to vote on both the overall budget and spending details until after this plan is available for Congress to review. Before any funds are allocated, we owe every American taxpayer a clear path forward with a well-defined exit strategy.”
“While I support President Trump’s suggestion that aid to Ukraine should be in the form of loans, President Biden should not have the authority to forgive up to half these loans during his lame duck period. No loans should be forgiven before the next administration. Furthermore, the United States has steadfastly supported Ukraine, and now it’s time for our European allies to step up and shoulder their share of the responsibility. Further, we must address the underlying policies that led to this war by the United States and our European partners. Our European allies’ radical green energy policies and Biden’s ban on liquid natural gas exports continue to cause Europe to rely on Russian energy, which funds Putin’s brutal war and gives Putin leverage. Finally, our European partners must contribute more to the war in Ukraine. While the American people have already contributed generously to Ukraine’s defense, including humanitarian aid, the Europeans have yet to match American contributions. Europe must do more to address its own security needs. Americans in NY-24 and across the country rightfully expect their tax dollars to be used to support America First.”
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