Senator Mark Wayne Mullen from Oklahoma, a Republican from a Super Tuesday state, recently shared his perspective on the ongoing discussions in Congress regarding funding for Israel, Ukraine, and border security. Despite voting against a recent foreign aid package in the Senate, Senator Mullen expressed his support for providing funding to Ukraine, emphasizing the need to address the situation in Ukraine urgently.
Senator Mullen proposed a simplified approach to the funding bill, advocating for a package that includes lethal aid for Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific region, along with effective measures to secure the southern border. He highlighted the importance of prioritizing border security before moving forward with other international aid initiatives.
In line with former President Trump's suggestion, Senator Mullen proposed a loan agreement for Ukraine with favorable terms, such as no interest and no scheduled paybacks unless certain conditions are met. He also suggested utilizing the Repo Act to reclaim assets from Russia, which have been subject to sanctions, and using the proceeds to fund Ukraine.
Senator Mullen expressed confidence that his proposed measures, if included in the funding bill, could garner support in the House and subsequently pass in the Senate. He acknowledged the need for House Speaker Johnson to bring the bill to the floor for a vote, emphasizing the importance of a simplified and effective approach to secure bipartisan approval.
While addressing concerns about House conference rules and majority requirements, Senator Mullen remained optimistic about the prospects of passing the funding bill with the proposed measures in place. He underscored the urgency of supporting Ukraine and other allies while also prioritizing border security for the United States.
