Mrvan backs U.S. aid packages for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan

U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland, joined majorities in the U.S. House Saturday to approve separate aid packages for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan, along with a set of policies aimed at limiting the influence of China, Iran and Russia.

The two-term lawmaker serving Lake, Porter and northwest LaPorte counties in Congress said he viewed the legislation as vitally important to the American worker, the strength of the United States, and its role as a world leader working to defend democracy.

"This is an incredibly serious moment in time for our nation, for Ukraine and for Israel, and I appreciate that these measures rise to the occasion to provide necessary resources for those in need," Mrvan said.

"Notably, these measures provide critical funding for equipment, weapons and logistics support for Ukraine's military, as well as additional funds to aid in the defense of our ally Israel and the replenishment of equipment for the Iron Dome and David's Sling defense systems, and also includes $9 billion to address the dire need for humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza."

Mrvan additionally noted much of the foreign military aid will be spent to purchase equipment manufactured in the United States by American workers, including funding to bolster the nation's submarine production capabilities.

The four measures also were supported by U.S. Rep. Rudy Yakym, R-Granger, whose district includes part of LaPorte County. He said "the time to act is now" following last weekend's attack on Israel by Iran.

"Only strong and resolute American leadership can provide our allies with the security assistance they need and deter our enemies from being emboldened to make further provocations," Yakym said.

On the other hand, U.S. Rep. Jim Baird, R-Greencastle, whose district includes Newton and Jasper counties, only voted in favor of Israel aid and the sanctions included in the 21st Century Peace through Strength Act.

Baird was the sole Hoosier lawmaker to vote against U.S. aid for Taiwan, and he was joined by U.S. Reps. Jim Banks, R-Columbia City, and Victoria Spartz, R-Noblesville, in opposing additional aid for Ukraine.

"While I fully condemn Russia for their unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, I was disappointed to see that aid to Ukraine was not tied to forcing this administration to secure our southern border. Additionally, the United States cannot continue pouring endless amounts of money into the country with no clear strategy in place. It is unfortunate that the president and Democrats seem more interested in protecting Ukraine's border than our own," Baird said.

Banks, the presumptive Republican nominee in Indiana's U.S. Senate race, similarly said it "makes me sick" to see Democrats waiving small Ukrainian flags in the House chamber following passage of the Ukraine aid measure.

"When was the last time you saw 200 Democrat politicians proudly waving the American flag?" Banks asked.