MN Senator Tina Smith says there is bipartisan support for Biden's $33 billion Ukrainian aid package

“It’s important we continue to give them the support they need"

Minnesota’s U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D) is supportive of $33 billion in funding for Ukraine announced last Thursday by President Joe Biden. The funds are going toward security and military support, as well as humanitarian aid.

“This country has been absolutely decimated by this brutal war and the United States has marshaled the world in support of this democracy of Ukraine,” Smith said. “It’s important we continue to give them the support they need. I mean, it is possible that they could win this war, as terrible as it’s been.”

President Joe Biden (D) has sent a proposal to Congress asking for a comprehensive legislative package that would create added pressure for Russian oligarchs and use their money to help bolster Ukraine's defenses.

With Russia's invasion of Ukraine entering its third month, President Biden said he is looking to offer long-term support for the country instead of short-term assistance.

Senator Smith told Vineeta Sawkar on the WCCO Morning News that she's hopeful this measure will get approved without any political fighting among lawmakers, noting that there has been bipartisan support for assisting Ukraine since the Russian invasion began.

“I’m quite sure there is bipartisan support for this aid to Ukraine. There has been in the past. It’s sort of an unsung story about how the president has brought people together, not only at home but also around the world, in a real show of strength and support for Ukraine against Vladimir Putin and Russia.  I’m sure that we’ll be able to get it done. I also am hopeful we’ll be able to get more done this week, but at the very least we need to come together and get this finished.”

Meanwhile, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D) made an unannounced trip to Kyiv, Ukraine on Saturday with her office confirming the trip in a statement on Sunday.

The statement shared that Pelosi was leading an official congressional delegation to Ukraine, which was the first of its kind since Russia began waging war on the country.

Even with the bipartisan support in Congress being strong as Senator Smith noted, and there is little doubt that lawmakers will approve aid, Republicans said they were examining the proposal’s details. That includes the balance between defense and other expenditures, and would not reflexively rally behind Biden’s $33 billion figure.

South Dakota Sen. John Thune, the No. 2 Senate GOP leader, said that while Republicans are committed to helping Ukraine, “It’s a pretty eye-popping number.”

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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