New Ukraine lend-lease bill introduced in U.S. Congress
Republican Congressman Joe Wilson has introduced a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives to grant the president expanded authority to provide Ukraine with military assistance through a lend-lease program.
The bill was officially registered as H.R.1158, CE Report quotes Ukrinform.
The proposed legislation seeks "to provide enhanced authority for the [U.S.] President to enter into agreements with the Government of Ukraine to lend or lease defense articles to that Government to protect civilian populations in Ukraine from Russian military invasion, and for other purposes."
In a statement to Ukrinform, Wilson emphasized that the lend-lease initiative aims to help bring the war to an end, much like a similar program aided the Allies' victory in World War II.
"This will be real support for the people of Ukraine," Wilson said.
He also praised Ukraine's resistance, calling it an "inspiration" to other nations fighting for freedom. As an example, he referenced Georgia, where citizens "are demonstrating against the corrupt government and rigged elections."
Wilson expressed confidence that President Donald Trump would take significant steps toward ending the war in Ukraine, pointing out that Trump has repeatedly underscored this priority in his statements.
The U.S. Congress first approved a lend-lease mechanism for Ukraine in May 2022. That legislation granted the president the authority to send weapons on the condition that their cost would be reimbursed later. However, the Biden administration opted to use other aid mechanisms that provided military support without repayment obligations.
