WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) has released the following statement after the Senate passed the supplemental national security legislation by a bipartisan vote of 79-18:

“Murderous dictators and terrorist groups around the world have been betting on the dysfunction of the American Congress – that we couldn’t come together to pass a bipartisan agreement. They've been betting that democracy can't work, that we can't make tough decisions and tough commitments and live up to them. I want to stand on the right side of history in fighting authoritarianism. I want to stand on the side of democracy. So I believe aiding our allies and partners is critical to securing American interests and stability around the world. We are confronting Putin and Xi Jinping from the threats they pose to Ukraine and Taiwan. We are supporting Israel’s right to defend itself from its terrorist neighbors intent on erasing the country, and we are providing critical humanitarian aid to the innocent civilians of Gaza. 

“Closer to home, here in Maine, this bill will help tackle the fentanyl problem that affects so many of our family and friends, by incorporating the Fend Off Fentanyl Act – a bill I cosponsored to address the opioid epidemic’s devastating toll. While I was proud to vote for this bill today, I would have also liked to incorporate the strong border protections that were included in the Senate’s bipartisan national security bill proposal in February. My colleagues James Lankford, Kirsten Sinema and Chris Murphy worked tirelessly on those needed border and immigration provisions only to see these them dismissed purely for political reasons.

“But the clear takeaway from today’s vote is that the American people share the goals of freedom, self-determination, and sovereignty of our allies – and will step up in a bipartisan fashion to deliver that message to our adversaries.”

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