WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, today voted in support of the National Security Act – legislation that will provide aid to allies defending American interests abroad, boost efforts to fight the fentanyl crisis harming communities nationwide, and support American manufacturing to restock the American reserve of ammunition and other materials. The bill passed the Senate in a 70-29 vote. 

“A vote for The National Security Act of 2024 is a vote for American principles, people and productivity. By providing sorely-needed aid to Ukraine as it fights for its freedom against Putin’s brutal dictatorship, we are demonstrating our commitment to freedom, sovereignty, and democracy at home and abroad. This war – now nearly at the two-year mark – while costing us weapons, is costing Ukrainians their lives. They are fighting a war that can stop Putin in his tracks before he attempts to invade our NATO allies.

“The bill also supports our ally Israel in its self-defense against Hamas terrorists, and Taiwan as the nation seeks to strengthen itself in the shadow of a Chinese threat.

“Also included in this legislation is the FEND Off Fentanyl Act I co-sponsored. This bill gives the federal government more authority and resources to crack down on opioid traffickers that are killing Maine people and adds teeth to the nationwide effort against the most immediate threat to American lives.

“While the bill we had presented to us last Monday would have been a landmark accomplishment to secure our southern and northern borders – and I salute my colleagues James Lankford, Chris Murphy and Kirsten Sinema for their tireless, bipartisan, good-faith work – this bill is a positive step that tells the world America can come together around values of democracy and opportunity for freedom-loving people everywhere.”

###