Van Hollen Statement on Passage of 2022 Funding Legislation, Including Ukraine Support and VAWA Reauthorization

Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statement regarding the Senate’s passage of the fiscal year 2022 omnibus funding bill, including funding to support Ukraine and the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act: 

“My top priority has been to fight for the things that matter most to the people of our communities, our state, and our country. This legislation meets that test. It delivers increased resources to better educate our children, strengthen our health care system, improve public safety, create more affordable housing, sharpen cutting-edge research and development, invest in initiatives to confront the climate crisis, and much more. It also provides crucial support to the people of Ukraine as they stand up to the vicious, unprovoked invasion by Vladimir Putin. The substantial funds for military and humanitarian support show that America will not stand idly by as he attacks the people of Ukraine. This bill also includes the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act – making badly needed upgrades to this bedrock law to help better protect and support survivors of domestic violence. To reach a bipartisan consensus with our colleagues on this bill, there were some tough choices made. There are certainly provisions I oppose, but on balance, this legislation is a win for our state and our nation. I was proud to work together with my colleagues to craft this bill and to fight for Marylanders’ priorities within it.”