Grothman: Humanitarian Workers in Ukraine Have our Utmost Gratitude

Hearing

Subcommittee on National Security Ranking Member Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.) opened today's hearing on "The U.S. and International Humanitarian Response to Russia's Invasion of Ukraine" by thanking the witnesses for their work to assist the Ukrainian people during wartime. He called for continued support for the humanitarian workers whose efforts have bolstered the will and fight of the Ukrainian people. Grothman concluded by underscoring Congress stands ready to help facilitate humanitarian workers' efforts in Ukraine.

Below are Subcommittee Ranking Member Grothman's remarks as prepared for delivery.

Thank you, Chairman Lynch for holding this hearing.

And thank you to our witnesses that are with us virtually today.

I know each of you have devoted a significant portion of your time to assisting not only Ukrainians impacted by Russia's aggression but also the Poles, Romanians, Moldovans, and others that have stepped up to help those fleeing this war.

And if I am not mistaken, each one of you has visited Ukraine since the war began.

You have our utmost gratitude for this tireless and sometimes thankless work.

We have surpassed 100 days of Russia's War on Ukraine.

A war that was predicted to last 72 hours.

Yes, weapons and military equipment is essential, but without food, clean drinking water, and medical supplies, the Ukrainians would be in a much worse position then they are today.

Congress has appropriated billions of dollars toward humanitarian assistance but groups like those here today fill in the gaps.

You know where the assistance is needed.

You know the delivery routes.

And you know the local people.

This knowledge is essential.

You all are not only fighting to get aid where it needs, but you are truly on the front lines of the fight.

Russia is afraid of you because of what you stand for -- freedom.

Russia has attacked humanitarian corridors and used ceasefire negotiations as a tool to kill civilians.

They have attacked fleeing refugees.

They have attacked hospitals and medical centers.

And they have deliberately targeted humanitarian sites -- including one of Chef Andres' World Central Kitchen restaurants in Kharkiv.

The United Nations now estimates the civilian death toll to have surpassed 4,000 but there is no doubt this is an undercount.

Russia and President Putin have and continue to commit war crimes.

I applaud your hard work and urge you to continue.

Whenever this war ends, and we all hope it is soon, the fight will not be over.

Ukraine will need our help to rebuild and restore.

I look forward to hearing your stories and how we can further help facilitate your efforts.

Thank you, and I yield back.

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