Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told lawmakers on Tuesday that not passing the pending supplemental with further aid for Ukraine would send a signal to other countries the U.S. is an “unreliable partner.”
“It would be a signal that the United States is an unreliable partner and that would encourage and embolden autocrats around the globe to do the types of things that [Russian President Vladimir Putin has done,” Austin said during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing.
The Senate in February passed its $95.3 billion supplemental bill, which includes $60 billion to continue supporting Ukraine, while Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has yet to bring the bill up for consideration on the House floor (Defense Daily, Feb. 13).
“We would ask that Congress pass the supplemental as soon as possible because Ukraine matters and the outcome of the conflict in Ukraine will have global implications for our national security as well,” Austin said on Tuesday. “Without security assistance, [Ukraine] won’t be able to resupply the much needed air defense interceptors and air defense systems they need to protect their skies and protect their people. And [without further assistance] we would see things begin to atrophy in a very meaningful way in a short period of time.”
Last month, Austin said he was “optimistic” Congress would take action on the pending supplemental, while adding that Ukraine’s “survival is in danger” in its fight against Russia’s ongoing invasion (Defense Daily, March 19).
Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), the SASC chair, cited passing the supplemental as the “most pressing” issue ahead for Congress and also asked Austin if he agreed with CIA Director Bill Burns’ previous comments that “abandoning support for Ukraine” could “stoke Chinese aggressiveness.”
Austin responded he agreed with that assessment, noting the supplemental includes further assistance for Indo-Pacific partners as well, to include Taiwan.
“There are provisions in this supplemental request to continue to help Taiwan attain the capabilities to continue to defend itself. And for that reason, it’s really important to make sure that we continue to press forward and get the supplemental across the goal line,” Austin said.
The Senate-passed supplemental has $4.8 billion to “deter Chinese aggression and support Indo-Pacific partners,” such as Taiwan, to specifically include $2.2 in Foreign Military Financing funds to purchase U.S.-made military equipment.
During his confirmation hearing to be the next leader of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Adm. Samuel Paparo told SASC that passing the pending supplemental is “absolutely critical” to continuing support for Taiwan and bolstering efforts to deter potential Chinese aggression in the theater (Defense Daily, Feb. 1).
Paparo also offered similar comments as Austin, adding that continuing to provide weapons aid to Ukraine would send a signal of assurance to Indo-Pacific partners on the U.S.’ commitment to support those in the region that may face coercive actions from China.
“Russian failure to achieve its aggressive actions [in Ukraine] directly aid[s] deterrence in the Western Pacific and directly reassures partners, our key strategic competitive advantage,” Paparo said.