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10/20/2023

Statement from Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen on the Congressional Funding Request to Support Israel & U…

Statement from Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen on the
Congressional Funding Request to Support Israel & Ukraine
October 20, 2023

WASHINGTON – Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen today released the following
statement following President Bidenʼs request to Congress for supplemental funding to
support Israel and Ukraine:
"The United States must continue to combat global instability with strong leadership and
unshakeable commitment. Whether the problem is Russiaʼs immoral invasion of Ukraine or
horrendous terrorist attacks by Hamas in Israel, Americaʼs leadership is irreplaceable. The
Biden Administrationʼs supplemental funding request maintains Americaʼs global leadership
and advances our core interests – including our national security.
Our economic assistance – alongside tens of billions of dollars delivered or committed by our
allies – has played a critical role in Ukraineʼs valiant resistance to Russian aggression by
supporting the Ukrainian home front in this war. Despite the damage Russiaʼs war has
wrought, Ukraine has achieved progress in economic reforms, aided by the economic
assistance provided by the United States and other donors. Continuing this support from the
United States and our allies is vital to the Government of Ukraine and its ability to deliver
essential services such as humanitarian assistance and emergency response following missile
strikes. And as Ukraine braces for another long winter, this support helps its government
reconstruct destroyed critical infrastructure and stabilize its economy.
Beyond Ukraine, Hamasʼs horrific attack and its regional impact are a terrible reminder of the
uncertainty we see around the globe and the challenges it raises in the global economy. It also
highlights the need for strong international financial institutions that stand ready to respond
to economic spillovers of such unexpected crises. The United States is exercising its global
economic leadership role to make sure that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is well
equipped to promote stability and growth around the world. At the same time, the United
States has been leading e orts, together with our partners, aimed at reforming the World
Bank to support developing countries more e ectively in responding to crises that transcend
borders, such as conflict and fragility, and the long-term challenges they face. The Presidentʼs
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1826

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10/20/2023

Statement from Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen on the Congressional Funding Request to Support Israel & U…

supplemental funding request will advance both of these critical goals and will promote high
standards development models.
In these times of great uncertainty, America must continue to lead to advance our national
interests and protect the most vulnerable countries and people. If Russia prevails in Ukraine,
our collective global and economic security will su er a major blow. If instability spreads
across the Middle East, the risks we face will multiply. And if we donʼt lead on international
economic issues, other countries will. We look to Congress, among others, to not let this
happen."
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https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1826

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