The Central and East European Coalition sent a letter on October 29 to Senate and House chairs and ranking members of the Appropriations Committees, urging them to provide financial assistance for the economic, security, and humanitarian relief needs of Ukraine.
Among the 18 groups that signed the letter were JBANC and its parent organizations, the Estonian American National Council, Inc., the American Latvian Association, Inc., and the Lithuanian American Council, Inc. A copy of the letter is posted on the JBANC webpage www.JBANC.org.
To emphasize the importance of a comprehensive U.S. assistance package for Ukraine, the signatories of the letter have joined the Ukrainian Working Group to meet with key Congressional offices.
Meetings have been held with the offices of Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Barbara Milkulski (D-MD), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), John McCain (R-AZ), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Reps. Nita Lowey (D-NY), Peter Roskam (R-IL), Sander Levin (D-MI), Ed Royce (R-CA) and Charlie Dent (R-PA).
Congressional staffers have been receptive, while also noting that there are significant competing needs for U.S. assistance given the instability in many parts of the world. Some expressed their frustration with both our European partners for not doing more to assist Ukraine and with the Administration for not requesting more assistance for Ukraine.
Constituent follow up is important to emphasize the need for support for Ukraine Local contacts with Congressional representatives, especially those listed above, help reinforce the message.
Please tell your Congressman and Senator that Ukraine is the front line of defense for Europe, and its success is of particular concern to Central and East Europe, especially Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, as a bulwark against further Russian aggression.
Marju Rink-Abel
