Larson Calls on House Republicans to Support Government Funding and Aid to Ukraine on CNN International’s “Quest Means Business”
Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) appeared on CNN International’s “Quest Means Business,” hosted by Richard Quest, to discuss government funding negotiations and the need to support the people of Ukraine in their fight against Russian aggression.
“[President Zelenskyy] summed it up last week that he cannot win without U.S. military support and further aid. He was quite clear about this. At what point do you think the House is going to say we have to do something here, that he’ll lose otherwise. Or maybe they don’t?” Quest asked.
“Speaker Johnson’s got to make up his mind that he wants to put [aid to Ukraine] before the body,” said Larson. “I will vote for it, and the numbers are there to pass it, with both Democrats and Republicans. It’s already received a large vote in the Senate. Let's do this for the Ukrainian people and stand up to the Russians for a change.”
You can watch the full interview here and read a transcript of the segment below:
Richard Quest: Congressman John Larson’s with me from Connecticut. Congressman, good to see you, Sir. Wherever I look, I see the Democrats in something of a very difficult situation at the moment. Whether it's on aid, whether it's on Ukraine, or whether it's on Michigan. Are the wheels coming off the wagon?
Rep. Larson: Well, I think that Congress is always faced with challenges, and clearly, we’ve faced a challenge this week in making sure we have a Continuing Resolution. Primarily because the Republicans have not gotten their act together. In your earlier segment, you talked about Mitch McConnell, rightfully so. Hopefully, he's been able to get across to Speaker Johnson that it is not in the best interest of the country, number one, or neither the Republicans nor Democrats, that there be a shutdown of government. But rather that we do the work of the people and make sure that these significant agencies don’t go without money, that would otherwise impact everyday average citizens of this country who depend on their government.
Richard Quest: The position in Ukraine is getting extremely dangerous and serious for President Zelenskyy. He summed it up last week that he cannot win without U.S. military support and further aid. He was quite clear about this. At what point do you think the House is going to say we have to do something here, that he’ll lose otherwise. Or maybe they don’t?
Rep. Larson: I sincerely hope this week, because you are absolutely right. Again, I would point to the Republican leadership, and point to Mitch McConnell. He announced that he is not going to run for Republican leader, but he’s been at the forefront of the Republicans trying to drive common sense through them, that Ukraine desperately needs the help of the United States of America. I can’t imagine that we won’t do this, but again, Speaker Johnson’s got to make up his mind that he wants to put this before the body. I will vote for it, and the numbers are there to pass it, with both Democrats and Republicans. It’s already received a large vote in the Senate. Let's do this for the Ukrainian people and stand up to the Russians for a change.
Richard Quest: The Speaker says, “We must take care of America’s needs first.” He’s referring to the border, and the border issue. I mean, one could arguably say it is political blackmail, as in, “You don’t give me this and I won't give you that. But the stakes are too high for this.”
Rep. Larson: I agree. Not only are they too high, but this is in America’s interest as well. Freedom has always been at the core of America’s interests. We are the kind of nation - the preeminent military and economic power in the world - that can do both. We can walk and chew gum, and we can also make sure that we are taking care of the needs on the border and the needs here at home - and also make sure that we stand by our allies and defend freedom around the globe and stand united with the rest of Europe to demonstrate this.
Richard Quest: Congressman, you say stand with allies, but can I put it to you that I could rephrase that as being stand by your word. I’ve just been on my own travels, through Australasia, through the Gulf, and again and again you hear, “Well here you go again, the Americans promised right at the beginning that we’ll be there, but when push came to shove, they put domestic politics first, and they didn’t really give a flying about anyone else?”
Rep. Larson: We should stand by our word, and have given our word, and the President’s word has got to mean something. I think the concern on the part of the Republicans, and on the part of Donald Trump, is to discredit President Biden: discredit his word, rather than focusing on the common concern that faces our nation, our allies, and the people of Ukraine, all of which are equally important both in the short and long term to Americans, along with making sure you stand by your word.
Richard Quest: Congressman, so grateful to have you.