Stand with Ukraine Act (HR 9501)
The Stand with Ukraine Act (HR 9501 and S4992) is the most important Ukraine question before Congress.
The bill will create a solid framework for US-Ukraine relations over the next 10 years and establish Ukraine as a Major non-NATO ally (MNNA), similar to Israel, Japan, Austre
The bill has bi-partisan support. It was introduced in the Senate by Sen Blumenthal and Graham and in the House by Rep Fitzpatrick. So far, it has 28 co-sponsors in the House including Rep Gottheimer (NJ), Rep Chavez-DeRemer (OR), Rep Lawler (NY), Rep Kean (NJ) and Rep Kiggans (VA).
This bill was the main issue of Ukraine Action Week organized by the American Coalition for Ukraine.
A quick primer on the law which was prepared by Eugene G and originally published in Reddit as well as action steps to take.
1. Makes 10-year bilateral security agreement law
“On June 13, 2024, the President of the United States and the President of Ukraine signed a 10-year bilateral security agreement, which Congress hereby endorses as an enduring framework between our two countries.”
Although Zelensky and Biden signed a treaty earlier this year, international treaties in the US do not become law unless ratified by Congress (typically Senate, though there are exceptions). This would make that treaty into law.
2. Grants State Department new authority to provide military aid
"The Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, may make available to the Government of Ukraine, in such quantities as the Secretary of State considers appropriate for the purpose described in the Bilateral Security Agreement—
(1) weapons and other defense articles from the United States inventory and other sources; and
(2) defense services. "
This language is very similar to PDA (Presidential drawdown authority), by which the President can send weaponry from existing American stocks. This is the most useful kind of aid since PDA can arrive within days, unlike USAI which can take years since it consists of production orders placed with the American defense industry.
Essentially this would provide the State Department with the option of providing military aid to Ukraine if Congress doesn’t sufficiently pass PDA or if there is no more PDA left.
3. Prioritizing excess defense article transfer for Ukraine
Excess defense articles (EDA) is weaponry that the US no longer needs. The passing of this Act would result in the development of a 5-year plan to prioritize EDA transfers to Ukraine.
4. Fast tracking sales to Ukraine under foreign military sales program
Sec of State & Defense makes a list of available and emerging technologies that are pre-cleared and prioritized for sale and release to Ukraine through foreign military sales program
Aims to reduce delays caused by deliberations of what is allowed to be provided to Ukraine
Provides for the prioritization and expediting of aid to Ukraine
Asks for a report from Sec of State and Defense what actions were taken to prioritize sales to Ukraine
5. Treatment of Ukraine as Major non-NATO Ally
“Notwithstanding any other provision of law, Ukraine shall be treated as though it were designated a major non NATO ally”
Major non-NATO ally (MNNA) is a specific designation with numerous advantages. MNNAs include Israel, Australia, Japan, South Korea, etc.
6. Statement of policy regarding recovery and reconstruction in Ukraine
States that its the policy of the US to support Ukraine in building increased institutional, economic and social resilience, with a focus on reforms.
Early priority in energy, infrastructure, and demining
Focuses on private sector-led economy and integrating Ukraine into global markets
This aims to aid the recovery of Ukraine while reducing the likelihood of future Russian influence.
7. Loan and lease of defense articles
From 2025-2035, gives President lend-lease authority to Ukraine or Eastern flank countries. Although it was never used for Ukraine after its passing and has now expired, Lend-Lease can prove useful if Congress is opposed to further aid to Ukraine.
8. Depot maintenance strategic plan
Long-term maintenance and replacement of Ukraine’s depots of available weapons to repel future Russian aggression.
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Last week I was in DC to meet with representatives and discuss Ukraine. One of our key goals was to introduce them to the Stand With Ukraine Act, and ask them to co-sponsor it. Since then a lot of representatives have co-sponsored, and more will co-sponsor in the upcoming days.
Call your Representatives!
If your representative supports Ukraine and has not yet co-sponsored, please call their office and ask them to co-sponsor HR.9501 (in House) / S.4992 (in Senate).
Go to: govtrack.us
Enter your zip code on the left. You will get three names with three phone numbers to call
Below is a sample script that you can use while calling. Please feel free to add any details, such as additional reasons why the U.S. should continue to support Ukraine and why this issue is important to you. You can use this script for both speaking with a staffer or leaving a voicemail.
Hello! My name is [your name] and I live in [city, state]. My zip code is [zip code].
I am a Ukraine supporter. Recently a bicameral and bipartisan bill was introduced to create a more constructive framework for US-Ukraine relations over the next 10 years, and make aid for Ukraine both more efficient and predictable. I'm calling to ask [representative's name] to co-sponsor the Stand with Ukraine Act, [HR 9501 if calling a Representative, S 4992 if calling a Senator]. Thank you.