House Republicans call on Biden to provide fighter jets to Ukraine
House Minority Whip Steve Scalise of La., left, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Calif., and Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., speak with reporters after watching a speech by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy live-streamed into the U.S. Capitol, in Washington, Wednesday, March 16, 2022. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 11:29 AM PT – Wednesday, March 16, 2022
House Republicans are calling for President Joe Biden to provide military aircraft to Ukraine, so they can establish a no-fly zone on their own. In a press conference after hearing from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Wednesday, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said their is bipartisan support for sending fighter jets to Ukraine.
Zelenskyy’s determination to save his country is unwavering—and the brave people of Ukraine share his iron will to triumph over Putin’s brutality. We must not waver in our commitment to helping the people of Ukraine fight back against these atrocities. https://t.co/ivVKGkS1XF
— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) March 16, 2022
McCarthy and Republicans also praised Zelensky and the Ukrainian people while highlighting their resistance to Russian aggression. GOP lawmakers called for Biden to impose more sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s regime.
House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) also spoke, calling on Biden to step up and take away Putins leverage on energy while suggesting he should open the nation’s oil reserves.
"The longer President Biden waits, trying to figure out excuses to not offend Putin. It's costing lives in Ukraine." – @SteveScalise on the importance of giving Ukraine the weapons they need to defend themselves. pic.twitter.com/cuVjCkUcu9
— House Republicans (@HouseGOP) March 16, 2022
Meanwhile, Biden announced $800 million in new assistance to Ukraine following Zelensky’s address to Congress. While speaking from the White House, Bidden said he’s approving the funds in addition to the $200 million already sent over, marking $1 billion going to Ukraine from the U.S. in the past week.
The assistance includes military equipment including drones, guns and ammunition, radar systems and missiles. Biden also touted $300 million going toward humanitarian assistance, including tens-of-thousands of tons of food, water and medical supplies.
While speaking on sanctions against Russia, Biden said his goal is to punish Putin for starting the war and to isolate him on the world stage. He also said the U.S. will support Ukraine’s economy with direct financial assistance and highlighted the importance keeping up pressure on Putin as well as his regime to end the war.
Watch live as I deliver remarks announcing new assistance the United States is providing to Ukraine. https://t.co/6ZnzWuJLhy
— President Biden (@POTUS) March 16, 2022