[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 203 (Monday, December 11, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5885-S5886]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                                Ukraine

  Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, tomorrow morning, Leader McConnell and I 
will welcome Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the Senate. 
This will be the third time President Zelenskyy meets with Senators 
since the start of the war, and it will be his most important visit of 
all.
  The war in Ukraine stands at a crossroads, with our friends in 
desperate need of American aid to maintain pressure on Vladimir Putin. 
The last time President Zelenskyy spoke to the Senate, he warned us 
that without more aid, Ukraine will lose the war--simple as that. 
Earlier today, he warned military officers at the National Defense 
University that ``if there's anyone inspired by unresolved issues on 
Capitol Hill, it is just Putin and his sick clique.''
  So if there is a word for what we most need this week, the word is to 
be serious about the task at hand. If Republicans in the Senate do not 
show they are serious about finalizing an agreement for the national 
security package, Vladimir Putin is going to walk through Ukraine and 
right through Europe.
  Both parties understand that aiding Ukraine and resisting Putin are 
critical for our national security, but Republicans and only 
Republicans are holding everything up because of unrealistic, 
maximalist demands on the border.
  Last week, we put forth a serious bill to address our national 
security needs. The package included robust border security provisions. 
Republicans rejected it out of hand, demanding their way or the 
highway, even though they were offered an amendment of their choosing--
and they only need 11 Democrats to go along.
  This posture is unserious. Again, Republicans and only Republicans 
are holding everything up because of unrealistic, maximalist demands on 
the border.
  I want to be very clear. Democrats very much want an agreement if 
possible. We talked all weekend with our Republican counterparts to 
find some kind of agreement. We talked again earlier today. We are not 
there yet, but as a sign of good faith, Democrats are going to keep 
trying.
  If Republicans keep insisting on Donald Trump's border policies, then 
they will be at fault when a deal for aid to Ukraine, Israel, and 
humanitarian aid to Gaza falls apart. The onus is on Republicans to 
show they are willing to moderate.
  Let me say that again. If Republicans keep insisting on Donald 
Trump's border policies, then they will be at fault when a deal for 
Ukraine, Israel, and humanitarian aid to Gaza falls apart. Republicans 
will be giving Vladimir Putin the best gift he could ask for.

[[Page S5886]]

  Democrats are serious about reaching reasonable, bipartisan 
compromise to pass this package. The question is if Republicans are now 
willing to do the same.