Congressman John Rose (R-TN-06), alongside 57 other Republicans, voted against authorizing an additional $40 billion in assistance for Ukraine.
According to Rose, he did not have confidence in the Biden administration to properly oversee the disbursement of the funds, leading to his opposition.
The $40 billion price tag is even more than the original $33 billion request from Biden.
“I support our efforts to assist Ukraine as they defend their sovereignty from Russian aggression; however, the folks of Middle Tennessee that sent me to Washington [entrusted me] to ensure their tax dollars are being spent wisely,” Rep. Rose said. “After President Biden’s disastrous and deadly Afghanistan withdrawal, I have no confidence in the Biden Administration’s ability to tactically disperse $40 billion in aid to Ukraine that we don’t even have an answer for how we’ll pay for it. Members should be allowed more time to ensure the Biden Administration is being held accountable and that proper legislative oversight has occurred before passing a bill that costs more than the entire annual budget of the U.S. Department of Justice.”
However, the lawmaker’s office noted his previous support for a host of measures backing Ukraine amid Russia’s unprovoked invasion of the country. For example, he voted for a House resolution that “demands an immediate cease-fire and the full withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory and expresses unequivocal support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
“I am proud to stand with President Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine, who are courageously fighting against power-hungry dictator Vladimir Putin. So much tragedy and loss could have been avoided in Ukraine if we had any real leadership in the White House,” Rose said previously during a House floor speech.
In addition to Rose, Reps. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN-01), Tim Burchett (R-TN-02), and Scott DesJarlais (R-TN-04) opposed the measure.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “John Rose” by John Rose.Â
