Palmetto State News

U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), alongside U.S. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pennsylvania-01), Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio-09), Joe Wilson (R-South Carolina-02), and Mike Quigley (D-Illinois-05), have introduced the Stand With Ukraine Act. This bill aims to endorse a ten-year bilateral security agreement between the United States and Ukraine, affirming the U.S.'s commitment to Ukraine's freedom and security.

“This legislation supports Ukraine in a variety of ways, sending a clear signal to brave Ukrainian fighters that we stand with them. It also states plainly that we will not give in to Russian aggression,” said Graham. “I was glad to work with Senator Blumenthal on this legislation and I appreciate my colleagues Representatives Fitzpatrick, Kaptur, Wilson, and Quigley for leading this effort in the House.”

Blumenthal emphasized the strategic importance of supporting Ukraine: “We’re sending a message to the world that the United States will stand with Ukraine—that their fight is our fight, and both their freedom and ours are at stake. After my sixth visit to Kyiv and Ukraine’s Kursk invasion, I’m convinced more than ever that we must solidify a strategic partnership with Ukraine and provide Congressional approval of the bilateral security agreement.”

Fitzpatrick highlighted bipartisan support for Ukraine: “The policy of the United States toward Ukraine must be clear and firm: we will always stand with our friend and ally as they fight against Putin’s unprovoked assault on Ukraine’s sovereignty and liberty. The bipartisan Stand With Ukraine Act will further bolster the security, diplomatic, and economic partnerships the United States already has with Ukraine.”

Kaptur added her perspective on Russia's actions: “By invading Ukraine, the tyrant Vladimir Putin intended to steal Ukraine’s sovereignty and the Liberty of the Ukrainian people. Through the bravery of the Ukrainian people and American leadership, Russia’s illegal war has had the opposite effect.”

Blumenthal and Graham recently returned from their sixth visit to Ukraine where they met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy among other national leaders. The Stand With Ukraine Act treats Ukraine as a major non-NATO ally by providing expanded defense article transfers without new security commitments. It also establishes a framework for consistent support for Ukraine's security capabilities.