It’s been nearly a year and a half since Russia invaded Ukraine, and one U.S. representative is saying it’s time to stop sending military aid to one of the nations in the overseas war.
Congressman Mike Ezell, R-Miss., recently voted in favor of a measure introduced to the National Defense Authorization Act, which would prohibit all future financial security assistance for Ukraine.
The measure, introduced by Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., was largely unpopular in the House as it was struck down by a 358-70 vote, with 149 of his fellow Republican colleagues joining their Democratic peers in opposing the proposal.
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Ezell explained that he voted in favor of the motion because he believes there is a lack of transparency as to where those funds would actually be going. The first-term congressman also argued that it is not economically feasible for the United States to blindly fund all of Ukraine’s war operations against the Russians.
“I just don’t believe in writing a blank check for everything that’s going on around the world. I think we need to have some accountability. The American people want to know where their tax dollars are being spent,” Ezell said on MidDays with Gerard Gibert. “I want to make sure they (Ukraine) understand that we’re not just going to rubberstamp a check to them. I know we need to fight the Russians, but the Ukrainians need to fight the Russians — not us.”
Though Ezell voted in favor of slashing aid to the Ukrainian war efforts, he believes it is still necessary for the U.S. to continue its diplomatic support for the country in its efforts to fight for sovereignty against Russian invaders.
Mississippi’s three other House members — Representatives Trent Kelly, Bennie Thompson, and Michael Guest — voted against Gaetz’s measure to cut future financial assistance to Ukraine.
Watch the full interview with Congressman Ezell below.
