Congressman Cleaver Votes for Multiple Bills to Support Ukraine Against Putin’s Aggression

April 28, 2022
Press Release

(Washington, D.C.) – This week, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) voted in favor of H.R. 6930, the Asset Seizure for Ukraine Reconstruction Act, and S. 3522, the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act, to support Ukraine as the Ukrainian people continue their months-long campaign to repel Vladimir Putin's unprovoked invasion. The Asset Seizure for Ukraine Reconstruction Act would establish a constitutional process for seizing the assets of corrupt Russian oligarchs to support the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine. The Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act would temporarily waive certain requirements related to the President's authority to lend or lease defense articles if the defense articles are intended for Ukraine's government and necessary to protect civilians in Ukraine from the Russian military invasion.

"As long as Vladimir Putin and the Russian military carry on their ruthless campaign to oppress a free and democratic Ukraine, the American public will stand united with the Ukrainian people—and that's what Congress has demonstrated, yet again, this week," said Congressman Cleaver. "By seizing and selling off the yachts, jets, mansions, and other corrupt spoils of Russian oligarchs, America can ensure that Russia's financial corruption will no longer fuel Putin's unconscionable war—but rather provide economic, defense, and humanitarian assistance needed to help defend and rebuild Ukraine. And with additional lend-lease authority, President Biden can ensure a quicker, more seamless process to provide Ukraine's military with the tools necessary to defend their homeland. I'm proud to have supported these important pieces of legislation with the overwhelming majority of my colleagues in the House of Representatives, and I will continue to push for additional assistance to support Ukrainians in their fight for freedom moving forward."

The Asset Seizure for Ukraine Reconstruction Act will establish a federal interagency working group to identify mechanisms for seizing sanctioned Russian oligarchs' property valued at over $2 million. The sale of these assets will be used to fund relief for the people of Ukraine, including:

  • Post-conflict reconstruction;
  • Military, humanitarian, and economic assistance;
  • Refugee support and resettlement; and
  • Technology ensuring the free flow of information in Ukraine.

The Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act is a revival of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Lend-Lease policy enacted in March 1941, which helped win the second World War. The bill will significantly enhance existing lend-lease authorities available to President Biden, while also waiving several current requirements, ensuring that shipments of urgently needed weapons systems, ammunition, and military assistance in other forms arrive in Ukrainian hands faster and more seamlessly.

This week's votes follow several key steps taken by Congressman Cleaver and the House of Representatives to isolate Russia from the global economy and support Ukraine's defense, economy, and refugees. Some of these steps include:

  • Suspending permanent normal trade relations with Russia;
  • Banning the import of Russian oil and energy products;
  • Reauthorizing the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act;
  • Passing the legislation to ensure perpetrators of war crimes against Ukraine can be brought to justice; and
  • Providing $13.6 billion in humanitarian, military, and economic assistance for the people of Ukraine.

"We cannot allow—and the American people will not accept—a corrupt dictator simply walking into another nation's homeland and claiming it as their own," said Congressman Cleaver. "Because of the remarkable courage of the Ukrainian people and the unity demonstrated by most of the free world, the Russian military has faced tremendous costs for their despicable decision to invade Ukraine and slaughter innocent civilians. We must continue to ensure Putin and his cronies pay a price for their evil aggression, which is precisely why I supported these bills."

Official text of the Asset Seizure for Ukraine Reconstruction Act is available here.

Official text of the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act is available here.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development, and Insurance; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.