August 10, 2023

New Dems Applaud Administration’s Supplemental Funding Request that Follows the Coalition’s Push to Support Ukraine, Secure the Border, and Address the Fentanyl Crisis

New Dems previously called on the Biden administration and Congress to request resources to further secure our borders, halt the flow of dangerous fentanyl and continue to support Ukraine

Today, New Democrat Coalition (NDC) Members, including NDC Chair Annie Kuster (NH-02), National Security Task Force Chair Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Immigration and Border Security Task Force Chair Greg Stanton (AZ-09), and Rep. Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) applauded the Administration’s $40 billion supplemental funding request that would provide $4 billion to secure the border and streamline immigration processes, nearly $800 million to address the flow of illicit fentanyl into the country, and $24 billion in aid for Ukraine.

“Earlier this year, New Dems called on the Biden administration to request resources to further secure our borders, halt the flow of dangerous fentanyl and continue to support Ukraine in their battle for freedom and democracy,” said NDC Chair Annie Kuster. “We applaud the Administration for putting forward a supplemental funding request that addresses each of these important issues facing our nation. Now, Congress must get it across the finish line. New Dems will continue working diligently with our partners across the aisle and Capitol to ensure we get this done.”

“Although border crossings have held steady since the end of Title 42, New Dems know it is crucial to ensure we have the necessary resources to meet future challenges, support border communities, and truly secure our border,” said Immigration and Border Security Task Force Chair Greg Stanton. “That’s why our Task Force recently led a letter to the Administration calling for additional resources to bolster law enforcement, implement innovative technologies, streamline immigration processes, and improve humanitarian outcomes. We applaud President Biden for making this request for more funding to secure our southern border and stand ready to ensure Congress delivers these essential resources.”

“As fentanyl and other synthetic opioids ravage communities across America, lawmakers must take additional action to crack down on the spread of these powerful narcotics,” said NDC Rep. Gabe Vasquez. “Earlier this year, I led a letter with my New Dem colleagues calling for emergency supplemental funding that would make targeted investments at the border to stem the flow of fentanyl into our communities. We are grateful to the Administration for heeding our request and for building on the Coalition’s work. Now, New Dems will work with Republicans and Democrats to advance this critical funding effort.”

“The United States must maintain unwavering support for Ukraine as they continue to fight for their freedom and sovereignty,” said National Security Task Force Chair Marilyn Strickland. “Recognizing the need for more aid, the New Democrat Coalition’s National Security Task Force called for continued support for Ukraine in our priorities earlier this summer. We are encouraged that the Biden Administration’s request reflects the Coalition’s work, and we strongly urge our colleagues to advance the request without unnecessary delay.”



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