Addressing Voters’ Concerns: The Case for Funding Ukraine’s War Against Russia
When we send support to Ukraine, we're not just investing in Ukraine. The weapons and armaments we send to Ukraine are made in America, by American workers with good-paying American jobs. We're also investing in an international system that keeps the United States safe and prosperous.
Our aid doesn’t just support Ukraine, it also “spends the money right here in the United States of America in places like Arizona, where the Patriot missiles are built; and Alabama, where the Javelin missiles are built; and Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Texas, where artillery shells are made.”
In October, experts calculated that more than 60 percent of aid to Ukraine is actually spent right here in the United States. Then, in April, the new Ukraine aid bill designated $23 billion to replenish U.S. weapons, stockpile and defense facilities. Some notable investments include:
$2 billion in Arizona to essential weapons such as stinger missiles.
$63 million in Georgia for cutting edge technologies, such as the Altius-600 unmanned aircraft systems.
$473 million in Michigan for critical components, such as parts for the M777 howitzer, an artillery piece.
$4 million to Nevada in investments to produce military supplies for Ukraine.
$2.4 billion in Pennsylvania for high grade munitions, such as artillery shells built in Scranton, PA.
$486 million in Wisconsin for military vehicles, such as Mine Resistant Ambush Protected all terrain vehicles and MaxxPro Mine Resistant Ambush protected vehicles.
$1.5 billion in Texas for essential supplies, such as munitions in Mesquite, TX, which will produce 350 new jobs.
$3.1 billion in Arkansas to produce advanced military equipment, such as the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS).
But it’s not just about the money – it’s about keeping the American people safe. If Putin succeeds in Ukraine, he has made clear that he will turn his attention to our NATO allies next, which would further entangle the U.S. abroad and embolden other adversaries like China. By sending support to Ukraine, we're standing up against Putin’s aggression and supporting the systems and alliances that have kept us out of major conflict for 70 years.
Published: July 2024