[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 183 (Monday, November 6, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5348-S5349]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                                Ukraine

  Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, 7 weeks ago, on September 21, the U.S. 
Senate, on a bipartisan basis, gathered with Ukrainian President 
Zelenskyy in the Old Senate Chamber. We don't often use that Chamber. 
It is often used for incidents that become embedded in history, and 
this was one of them. It was a historic moment.
  Many things were said about the courage of the Ukrainian people and 
the heroism of the troops fighting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 
unjust war, but I recall one particular plea made by President 
Zelenskyy--and he repeated it. So it was clear he wanted us to 
remember. I will stress here what he said:

       Without the continued financial support of the United 
     States and NATO, we will lose this war.

  He was unequivocal.
  Secretary of Defense Austin told me clearly at last week's Senate 
Appropriations Committee hearing that he agreed with Zelenskyy.
  Secretary of State Blinken added that such assistance is critical in 
thwarting not just Putin but aggressors around the world who are 
watching and gauging our sustained commitment.
  I agree completely. Looking at the world today, I do not believe it 
is a stretch to say that freedom is currently under siege and fighting 
for its future. Right now, several democracies across the globe are 
fighting against tyrannical powers--in some cases, autocratic 
governments; in others, terrorist organizations--that seek to undermine 
the global order. But this much is clear: Democratic values are under 
siege, and the United States and our generation have a responsibility 
to act.
  Two weeks ago, President Biden requested $106 billion in supplemental 
funding for national security. This includes money to help supply 
Ukraine with weapons to continue its valiant fight against Russian 
aggression. It includes money to help Israel defend itself against 
Hamas, which, on October 7, perpetrated the largest attack against 
Jewish people than on any single day since the Holocaust. And, 
importantly, it also includes billions of dollars to support 
humanitarian needs across those conflict zones around the world, 
including the crisis in Gaza, because, as important as it is to support 
nations like Ukraine in their struggle against tyranny, it is equally 
as important to support innocent citizens who so often become 
collateral damage and bear the brunt of suffering during periods of 
conflict.
  At the Appropriations Committee hearing last week, Secretaries 
Blinken and Austin underscored the necessity of this funding request. 
They made clear that it is critical to deliver the urgent national 
security priorities as laid out in the President's request.
  These challenges facing the world are interrelated. So it is 
important that we deliver aid in one unified package that speaks to 
America's values abroad.
  I asked Secretaries Blinken and Austin about the recent visit by the 
terrorist organization Hamas leadership to--believe it or not--Putin in 
Moscow. Secretary Blinken was blunt: Putin is allied with any effort 
that may distract the United States from the war in

[[Page S5349]]

Ukraine or that undermines democracy and the rule of law.
  The Secretary added that other malign actors are watching closely to 
assess America's reaction and resolve. That is why one comprehensive 
supplemental that can address all of these interconnected global needs 
is the only way forward.
  When asked about the United States' role in the world, President 
Biden explained that we have not only the financial responsibility but 
the moral responsibility to support democracies worldwide.
  I agree. Right now, the global community faces profound challenges, 
the outcomes of which will reverberate to every corner of the world for 
decades to come. As a global superpower, America has an essential role 
to play in defending freedom. It is not only the right thing to do; it 
is the smart thing to do.
  Last week, the House provided a Republican-led plan to provide 
billions of dollars only to Israel, tragically ignoring this call for 
leadership.
  Madam President, I just challenge everyone to take a look at how 
Republicans put together this package--even this package of aid to 
Israel. The House bill would cynically cut funding from the Internal 
Revenue Service that is being used to help auditors catch wealthy tax 
cheaters in America. The House Speaker wants to cut that.
  The Presiding Officer and I represent thousands of Illinoisans, good 
families who know their tax obligations. They are not happy about them, 
but they face them and deal with them honestly. Only a handful of 
people are misusing their power and money to avoid tax responsibility. 
We need to stop that. They need to pay their fair share of taxes, 
particularly the wealthy among us.
  So how does the House Republican leadership pay for aid to Israel? It 
eliminates auditors from the Internal Revenue Service who are trying to 
catch these tax cheaters.
  What are they thinking?
  Incidentally, that means that the auditors are not recovering the 
money for our Treasury that is owed to it, and they add to the deficit. 
This bunch of fiscal hawks, given the chance for a first real act of 
the new Speaker, decide to find a way to avoid holding tax cheaters 
responsible and adding to the national deficit. They need some work 
over there. That bill is a nonstarter that Putin must be enjoying.
  Protecting our national security interests and defending American 
values will take a bipartisan effort, not political games. As such, I 
urge my colleagues to swiftly pass this funding package and help 
reassure the global community, as long as there is a United States of 
America, we will be standing for freedom across the world.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. GRASSLEY. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.