RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A Virginia representative is fighting hard for legislation that would support U.S. political partners abroad.
The United States has long been a leader on the world stage, sending trillions of dollars in foreign aid since the end of World War II. Some legislators, like Democratic Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger, are championing a proposal to send additional support to Ukraine, Taiwan and Israel. Spanberger said this action is vital to United States security interests.
“China is watching whether the United States abandons our allies or continues to support them in ensuring support within the Indo-Pacific,” Spanberger said.
The U.S. sent help to Ukraine back in 2022 when Russia invaded. Spanberger headed to Kyiv earlier this month to meet with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“They are doing the fighting, they are doing the dying,” Spanberger said. “It is in our interest that Vladimir Putin be defeated on the battlefield in Ukraine.”
Last fall, the U.S. sent aid to Israel after the country came under attack by Hamas. 8News asked the congresswoman how these global conflicts impact communities all the way in Virginia.
“Ukraine is a major producer of phosphorus,” Spanberger said. “So, we have seen increased fertilizer rates impacting the farmers and producers across Virginia and the rest of the country, in part, because of this war. Ensuring that Ukraine can win this war matters greatly.”
Proposed legislation would send Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan an additional $95 billion worth of support. While this proposal passed the United States Senate with 70 votes, it still has to cross a few checkpoints — one of which is that House Speaker Mike Johnson would have to bring it to a vote. Many republicans, like Rep. Bob Good, don’t think it will get to that point.
“We’ve got a $200 billion monthly deficit,” Rep. Good said. “Thirty-four trillion [dollars] in national debt, we shouldn’t be barrowing for foreign aid… I don’t support borrowing for our kids and grandkids for foreign aid funding.”
He said leaders have to think carefully about where they put their resources.
“Funding for Ukraine or funding for Taiwan or other humanitarian assistance funding has nothing to do with supporting Israel,” Good said. “They shouldn’t be cobbled together.”
Rep. Good reiterated that the House Speaker has already said he doesn’t plan to take up the bill, but some legislators, like Spanberger, are hopeful that could change.
