April 08, 2022

Duckworth Joins Shaheen in Leading Bipartisan Resolution to Support Ukrainian Women on the Frontlines of the Humanitarian Crisis & War Efforts against Russia

 

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) who served 23 years in the Reserve Forces, joined U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) in leading a bipartisan group of women Senators in a resolution to recognize women’s roles in all aspects of the defense of Ukraine and the preservation of Ukraine’s freedom. The resolution recognizes that women are often the targets of deliberate violence during conflicts, which is evident through Russia’s deliberate attacks on maternity wards and the use of rape as a weapon of war. This resolution calls on all countries to provide aid to refugees and support women in Ukraine who are keeping families and children safe, delivering supplies and weapons, administering medical care, fighting as part of the armed forces and more.

“Women across Ukraine are on the frontlines defending their homeland, their families and their freedom, and the international community can and should do more to support them,” said Duckworth. “The only thing Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked and inexcusable escalation of this violent invasion is succeeding in is uniting the free world against Russia’s autocratic regime in support of Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty, its people and its right to self-governance. I’m proud to help introduce this bipartisan resolution alongside my colleagues to recognize the brave women of Ukraine’s sacrifices and dedication during Putin’s war of choice.”

“Women are on the frontlines helping to hold Ukraine together amid Russia’s unconscionable and unprovoked war. Spearheaded by women in the Senate and across bipartisan lines, this resolution sends a powerful message that we stand with Ukrainian women who are leading the on-the-ground response – from defending territory as fighters to delivering life-saving medical care to administering humanitarian aid and crossing borders to ensure the safety of children and the elderly,” said Shaheen. “The U.S. and international community must continue to address the unique needs of women amid this war and humanitarian crisis, while advocating for women’s participation in conflict resolution talks. This bipartisan resolution reaffirms U.S. support for the women of Ukraine who are putting their lives on the line every day to defend Ukraine’s freedom against the tyranny and brutality of Russia.”

The bipartisan resolution is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Patty Murray (D-WA), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA).

Text of the resolution is available here.

As a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), Duckworth has been a strong supporter of Ukraine against Russia’s invasion. Last month, she joined U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Mark Warner (D-VA), Jon Tester (D-MT) and six of her colleagues in introducing the Digital Asset Sanctions Compliance Enhancement Act to ensure that Vladimir Putin and Russian elites can’t use digital assets to undermine the international community’s economic sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.

Earlier in March, Duckworth urged the Biden Administration to accelerate the sale of M1A2 SEPv3 tanks to Poland. The letter also asked the Biden Administration to engage with additional NATO allies to determine if the Russian Federation’s brutal act of war requires the U.S to develop and execute any additional sales to strengthen the military capabilities of other NATO members. She also called on the Biden Administration to grant Temporary Protected Status to Ukrainians in the U.S. following the Russian military invasion.

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