Hoyer: A Defeat for Putin is a Victory for America and for All Free People Around the World

April 28, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) delivered remarks at the House Committee on Appropriations Full Committee Markup of the FY 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Bill on his amendment to provide $500 million to support Ukraine. Below are videos and transcripts of his remarks: Image Click here to watch a video of his first set of remarks. Click here to watch a video of his second set of remarks. First Set of Remarks "Mr. Chairman, as I started to say, at the beginning [of] I think maybe it was this session or our last session of Congress the majority renamed the name of this committee as the National Security Committee, I think that's accurate. I think this does deal with the national security – I think this amendment deals directly with the national security of this country. And I want to thank the Ranking Member for her leadership and strong support on this issue, as well as my colleague, Representative Kaptur and Mr. Quigley, who are very strongly in favor of Ukraine. I also want to thank the Subcommittee for including the important language in Section 7047, which I believe has been carried before. That language says that we will not support any country that aids and abets the illegal takeover of Crimea and such other territories, as they have taken over in Ukraine. Our failure in the West to respond decisively to the taking of Crimea initially – and I say the West, not just the United States – was, in my opinion, the mother of this war in Ukraine today. "When Vladimir Putin's forces invaded the sovereign nation of Ukraine four years ago, Russian media predicted its democratic government would fall in three days. Now, 1,524 days later, Ukraine is still holding the line and even making gains to [liberate] territory. The nation's military is fighting not only Ukraine's war for independence, it is fighting for all who believe in freedom, self-determination, and international law. Ukrainians have developed ingenious military technologies and are leading on drone technology on their own behalf, some of which is now helping our forces become more capable and better prepared. Mr. Chairman, Ukraine is surviving and holding its own. [In] no small part because of the military and financial support of its allies, including the United States. "Since the war began, we have appropriated money towards Ukraine's battle for freedom. This included both direct aid to Ukraine as well as funding for associated U.S. military operations in Europe. When we enacted the last supplemental appropriation – now hear me, ladies and gentlemen – it was April 23rd [2024]. We have not acted for 24 months on appropriating funds for Ukraine. In fact, [on] over 12 votes that we've had – on every vote that we've had to support Ukraine, we've had over 300 votes. And on almost every one of those votes, the majority of Republicans and the unanimous, unanimous Democrats voted to support Ukraine financially and in every other way. In fact, [in] over 12 votes, 80% of the members have voted to support Ukraine. There's an [undeniable] bipartisan will to stand with the people of Ukraine in their fight for freedom.  Now, in the FY 2027 defense authorization bill, we have put $800 million for Ukraine to be allocated in [Fiscal Years] 2026 and 2027. This bill allocates – that was an authorization – this appropriates $500 million, which – I will point out to the Chairman – is not more money in the bill. It is a portion of the National Security Investment Program of $6.9 billion, of which about $700 million is allocated in the bill, leaving some five point plus billion dollars available. This is $500 million, for Ukraine. "America needs to speak. It needs to speak for those troops that are in the field. It needs to speak for those 28,000 people in the military who have been either injured or killed since April 23rd of 2024. In FY 2026, our committee allocated $6.76 billion to [the] National Security Investment Program. It is now at $6.9 billion, and I suggest to you this is a critical action for the United States of America to take. We have been silent, voiceless on any additional resources to Ukraine for 24 months. Is that sending a signal to the world of America's leadership on behalf of freedom and security? I think not. It is an uncertain trumpet that we have been sounding. We must remain steadfast on behalf of Ukraine. Make no mistake: a defeat for Putin is a victory for America and for all free people around the world, and a victory for Ukraine is a reminder to those who would use violence to seize territory that it is a [losing] proposition, because the free world stands together on behalf of Ukraine. "For 1,524 days, I've worn this pin [of the] Ukrainian flag as a signal of my continuing support. This is a [signal] of our continuing support of the Congress of the United States for freedom, international law, and democracy. I pray that you will make an exception to unanimous opposition to amendments and support this amendment for our country, for the Ukrainian men and women who are bravely fighting for their freedom and their national integrity. I yield back." Second Set of Remarks “Republicans voted to authorize an additional $800 million 197 to 18. That really didn't do anything other than say we're going to authorize some expenditures. From that point to this, 24 months have gone by, and we have not done that. What that has done to the morale of the Ukrainians, I can't quantify, but it hasn't been good. I came to Congress in 1981, and I stood with Ronald Reagan against many of the people in my district for the MX missile, for the deployment of armor in Europe that the Russians didn't think we would do. I stood with the gentleman from Florida, my good friend, on behalf of democracy in Cuba. My friend is shaking his head ‘Yes.’ I believe in standing up for freedom here and around the world, and I believe that 24 months of inaction is not doing so. Again, 197 to 18, you voted for this authorization. Was that an empty promise to the people of Ukraine and to the world on behalf of our security? I hope not. 12 votes, over 300 members of the Congress, the House of Representatives said, ‘Yes, we are going to support freedom, democracy and oppose the breaking of international law and Putin's authoritarianism.’ I know I've gone over time; 24 months waiting is over time. "Do not make this a partisan vote. Do not make this a vote that says, no, we're not going to follow up on that which we voted 197 to 18 on your side of the aisle. I plead with you for the people of Ukraine and for the United States being a partner that can be counted on. Mr. Chairman, this committee needs to speak. The Congress needs to speak for democracy, for freedom, and not in a partisan way. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, $500 million, and I – with all due respect to the Chairman of the [subcommittee], I would say in your report, you set aside $517 million for certain objectives set up for Jordan. This will not adversely affect that because you have clearly enough money for half $1 billion. And ladies and gentlemen, a half $1 billion is one day's expenditure – half of one day's expenditure in Iran. This is not enough, but it is at least the Congress saying, ‘We're still with you.’ Please vote for Ukraine. Vote for American reliability. I yield back." Issues : National Security & Veterans