Rep. Cleaver Supports Package of Security Assistance Bills to Support Democratic Allies Around the World and Provide Humanitarian Assistance

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, following months of obstruction from House Republicans to prevent a vote, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) voted in favor of a series of bills to provide security and humanitarian assistance to America’s democratic allies in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. The bipartisan legislation will provide $95 billion in aid to Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and Palestinian civilians. 

“As we learned so painfully nearly a century ago, you cannot appease dictators seeking to expand their despotism and destroy liberty; you must confront them with a resolute determination to defend freedom at home and abroad,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Today’s vote, with history watching, may have been the most significant vote that we take during the 118th Congress, and I’m glad we sent a bipartisan message that America will not back down in the face of terrorism and authoritarian aggression. We will stand with our allies and stand for those in need around the world. I was proud to fight – along with my Democratic colleagues – for the inclusion of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in Gaza, civilians in Ukraine, and those around the world, and am reassured to see over $9 billion in aid provided in the package. My vote was contingent on that aid being included, and I recognize that the U.S. and other allies must continue to hold the Israeli government to their promise to speed up the process and increase the amount of humanitarian aid going into Gaza. I remain concerned about Prime Minister Netanyahu’s plans for military action in Rafah, and the impact that would have on the over 1 million civilians living in southern Gaza.” 

The bipartisan national security package includes:

• $60.8 billion in assistance to Ukraine to provide a desperately needed resupply of artillery rounds,  air defense missiles, and other advanced weaponry needed to defeat Russia’s illegal invasion. 
• $17.8 billion in aid to Israel to assist their defense against Iran, Hamas, and other terror groups, including funding to replenish the Iron Dome and David’s Sling defense systems.
• $9 billion for humanitarian relief in Gaza and around world to ensure innocent civilians have access to critically needed food, water, medicine, and other aid. 
• $8 billion to strengthen security in the Indo-Pacific, including more than $4 billion for assistance to Taiwan to counter the Chinese Communist Party and ensure strong deterrence in the region.

“Not only will this national security package strengthen the defense of freedom around the world, but it will also allow the DOD to replenish its stockpiles with our most advanced technologies, benefit American businesses and workers across the country, and strengthen our economic security,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Although I’m deeply frustrated that House Republicans wasted months delaying this desperately needed assistance to our friends and fellow democracies around the world, I’m relieved that we are finally sending the support they need to fend off Putin, Iran, and the Chinese Communist Party.”

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, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.