Rep. Smith Statement on Death of Alexei Navalny and Funding for Ukraine

MUNICH, GERMANY – Today, Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement on the death of Alexei Navalny and urgently needed funding for Ukraine. 
 
“Alexei Navalny’s death is a loss for the Russian people and the entire world. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and supporters. 
 
“Putin is responsible, whether directly or indirectly, for Navalny's death. This obvious fact makes it clearer than ever that the United States must continue to lead the fight against the lawlessness and might-makes-right worldview that Putin wants to inflict on the rest of the world. 
 
“In response to news of Navalny’s death, Speaker Johnson urged the United States to “use every available means” to cut off Putin’s ability to continue to wage war in Ukraine. I agree with the Speaker, and in light of his statement, I hope and expect that he will bring the Senate-passed national security supplemental to the House floor for swift and overwhelming passage, which includes urgently needed funding for Ukraine. The national security supplemental is the only realistic path forward for getting Ukraine the support they need. Any other bill would fail to achieve the broad bipartisan and bicameral support that the Senate took months to achieve.
 
“Speaker Johnson understands the national security threat that Putin and his war in Ukraine poses to the United States, our interests, allies, and partners. I urge him to use his power to help pass the Senate’s national security supplemental to demonstrate to Russia and the rest of the world that the United States will not abandon Ukraine in its fight for freedom.”

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