Standing in Support of Our Brothers and Sisters in Ukraine

NEW YORK, NY --RepresentativeAdriano Espaillat (NY-13) stands in firm solidarity with the people of Ukraine during this time of crisis and is a leading voice in Congress to provide Ukrainians vital defense security assistance and humanitarian aid, while holding Russia accountable for war crimes, bolstering international organizations helping refugees, and supporting Ukrainians living in the United States.

The following outline provides an overview of Rep. Espaillat's actions to date to address the crisis in Ukraine as well as federal resources available to constituents throughout New York's 13th congressional district to help those in need.

Immediately following Russia’s unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine, Rep. Espaillatled a bipartisan letter to the Biden Administration and introduced the Bipartisan Ukrainian Protection Act of 2022 to provide Ukrainians residing in the United States with Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Following these efforts just days later, President Biden designated TPS for Ukrainians. Rep. Espaillat commends President Biden’s swift designation of TPS for Ukrainians and leadership in rallying the global community to respond to Russia's aggression in Ukraine. TPS will provide Ukrainians residing in the United States protection from deportation, work authorization, and eligibility to travel abroad.

On March 7, 2022, Rep. Espaillatintroduced a resolution in collaboration with Rep. David Cicilline (RI-01) that calls for Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian government to be held accountable for war crimes as well as increase support for international organizations helping refugees. H.Res.964 outlines how Putin’s continued targeting of civilians and vital humanitarian infrastructure, like hospitals, must not be met without consequences.

As Russia’s inhumane attacks against Ukraine become more grave, Rep. Espaillat voted in favor of $13.6 billion dollars in emergency assistance to support the people of Ukraine and their neighbors. This funding provides critical military, humanitarian, and economic aid to Ukraine. In addition, $120 million will support Ukrainian activists, journalists, and promote accountability for the Russian government’s violations of human rights.

This week, Rep. Espaillat also voted to impose new sanctions punishing Russia for its premeditated, unprovoked war against Ukraine. The Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act bans the import of Russian oil and energy products into the United States – cutting off a major source of revenue for the Russian government as it attacks the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and the safety of the Ukrainian people – in addition to other actions to further isolate Russia economically.

Rep. Espaillat supports President Biden’s call to cut off Russia’s largest bank and imposing full sanctions on major Russian financial institutions and state-owned enterprises critical to its economy, securing new export controls to cut off Russia’s access to tech inputs, removing Russian banks from SWIFT and taking new measures to hamstring the Russian Central Bank. Moreover, he has joined more than 50 members of Congress in calling on the Biden Administration to work with our NATO Allies to provide the Ukrainian Air Force the additional aircraft President Zelenskyy requested from Congress.

Rep. Espaillat will continue to monitor closely the growing crisis in Ukraine and has pledged to continue to do what is required to support democracy and freedom while also protecting Americans. “It is times like these where we must band together as a community and as a nation in support of humanity and democracy. While we might feel helpless watching the horrifying scenes abroad, we can do our best to offer support. Not only should we hold the government in Moscow accountable for their war crimes, but we should also continue helping the millions of Ukrainians who are standing up for their freedom and democracy. I urge my fellow New Yorkers and Americans to support the programs that USAID and the U.S. State Department have organized," said Espaillat.

Federal Resources & Assistance:

Visit online resources for information on how you can help the people of Ukraine during this ongoing conflict.

USAID: The USAID Disaster Assistance Response Team is one of our nation’s finest humanitarian responders and has responded to a range of needs in the lead-up to the invasion, from energy security to countering disinformation to cybersecurity support as Russia attempts disrupt critical infrastructure and communications. USAID is also working closely with the U.S. State Department to support Ukrainians fleeing to neighboring countries, offer support to the Ukrainian people as they flee Russia’s aggression, and rapidly address critical needs that arise due to ongoing conflict.

U.S. Department of State: The United States is the largest humanitarian donor to Ukraine. On February 27, the United States announced nearly $54 million in humanitarian assistance to those Ukrainians affected by Russia’s further invasion. With this new contribution, since the conflict in Ukraine began eight years ago, the United States has provided nearly $405 million in lifesaving assistance to vulnerable communities across Ukraine. For individuals seeking to leave Ukraine, find information from UNHCR on the current situation and where to go for help. Visit the agency’s portal created in collaboration with GoFundMe to help address the humanitarian needs of the people affected by the Russian aggression against Ukraine. Please visit GoFundMe.org, an independent charity from GoFundMe, to support the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund and those impacted.