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NEWS | April 23, 2024

Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the House Passage of the National Security Supplemental

U.S. Department of Defense

"I welcome the passage of the critical national security supplemental, which will help the Department of Defense support Ukraine and Israel, bolster security in the Indo-Pacific, and stand firm with our Allies and partners around the world. This bipartisan legislation will allow the Department to surge lifesaving security assistance to help Ukraine defend itself from Russia's aggression, support Israel's defense from Iran and its proxies, and increase the flow of urgently needed humanitarian aid to suffering Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

This legislation is also an important investment in America's future. By providing approximately $50 billion that will flow directly into our defense industrial base, this bill will create good American jobs in more than 30 states even as it reinforces U.S. long-term security.

This legislation will make America more secure and save lives.  We have seen yet again that the troubles of our times will only worsen without strong, steady U.S. leadership to advance our core security interests. The world is still watching. Lives are still on the line. America's long-term security is still at stake. We must never give our friends, our rivals, or our foes any reason to doubt America's resolve."

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