Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Clumns
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion on local and regional news you won't find anywhere else

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Biography: Aaron Hanania
      • Steve Metsch
      • Steve Neuhaus
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
  • Sections
    • Events
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • “MIdnight Flight” Online Book
      • Midnight Flight Book Overview
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Ray Hanania on Politics
    • Two Guys on Politics
    • Hanania on Tiktok
  • News Wire
  • Toggle search form
  • Congresswoman Robin Kelly official photo
    Robin Kelly details what Trump’s “Big Ugly Bill means for Illinois Federal
  • Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash
    Orland Park Police Department Begins Fourth of July Traffic Safety Campaign Crime
  • 05-23-25 Jeffery M. Leving
    Dad secured important court victory, keeping sons safe at home Dads' Rights
  • Leving Matrimonial Law Seminar: Orders of Protection Pursuant to The Illinois Domestic Violence Act Arthur Kallow
  • Summer Smash Entertainer lineup 2025
    Summer Smash Festival returns this weekend June 20-22 at SeatGeek Bridgeview
  • Fireworks display for the 4th of July. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Orland Park Announces Independence Day Celebration July 3 Events
  • 05-23-25 Jeffery M. Leving
    Leving team’s court victory protected dad’s daughters from reported danger Dads' Rights
  • Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Madigan sentenced to stiff seven and a half years in prison on corruption case Chicago
  • Attorneys Jeffery Leving Arthur Kallow
    Honoring Fathers: A Father’s Day Reflection Arthur Kallow
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Understanding Cook County Property Taxes: A Guide for Homeowners Blogger
  • 06-04-25 Two Guys on Politics Background Zoom LOGO with images
    Two Guys on Politics Podcast on Elon Musk, Trump’s Parade, LA Riots, and Middle East ban Bill Lipinski
  • 05-23-25 Jeffery M. Leving
    Often overlooked single fathers deserve praise this Father’s Day Blogger
  • Fentanyl drugs Courtesy of the DEA
    Five Defendants Charged in Federal Investigation Targeting Fentanyl Sales in Chicago Crime
  • Illinois State Senator Michael Hastings. Photo courtesy of the Illinois State Senate
    Southland manufacturer receives state funding thanks to Hastings Business
  • Stolen merchandise in the arrest of Isadore House by Cook County Sheriff 06-11-25
    Chicago Man Faces Felony after $400,000 in Stolen Merchandise Recovered Chicago
Congresswoman Betty McCollum. Photo courtesy of McCollum's Facebook page

McCollum blasts Russia invasion of Ukraine urging community support

Posted on March 18, 2022March 18, 2022 By Ray Hanania No Comments on McCollum blasts Russia invasion of Ukraine urging community support
SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  

McCollum blasts Russia invasion of Ukraine urging community support

Minnesota Congresswoman Betty McCollum  denounces Russian atrocities committed against the civilians in Ukraine and says Congress will continue to support freedom, Democracy and Ukraine’s struggle. In a letter to constituents, McCollum urges Americans who want to help Ukraine to make donations to USAID.

Over the past few weeks, as Russia continues its illegal, unjust, and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, I have received many calls and letters from constituents expressing their support for the Ukrainian people and asking how the U.S. can respond effectively.

We are all shocked at the atrocities committed by the Russian military at the direction of President Vladimir Putin. It is heartbreaking to see the senseless killing of innocents – including a fellow Minnesotan.

Now that the Fiscal Year 2022 Appropriations bills have been signed into law, I want to update you on the actions I’m taking in Congress to address the crisis in Ukraine, as well as what the Biden administration is doing to help the Ukrainian people. 

As Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, it is my responsibility to allocate the funding priorities for the Department of Defense and ensure our allies in Europe have the tools necessary to deter Russian aggression.

Congresswoman Betty McCollum. Photo courtesy of McCollum's Facebook page
Congresswoman Betty McCollum. Photo courtesy of McCollum’s Facebook page

 

Throughout this crisis I have been in constant contact with the Biden administration, our military leaders at the Pentagon, and diplomats from Ukraine, the Baltic States, and other European nations at the forefront of this conflict.

 

Congress is delivering on our commitment to provide Ukraine with defensive security assistance to repel Russia’s invasion of their land. Congress just passed, and President Biden signed into law H.R. 2471, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022, which funds the entire U.S. federal government for the rest of this fiscal year. Included in H.R. 2471 is the Defense Appropriations Act for FY 2022, which I authored with $300 million to continue funding robust defensive security assistance for Ukraine. This legislation also provides an additional $13.6 billion in emergency funding for a whole of U.S. government response to the crisis in Ukraine. 

When I attended the Munich Security Conference in February with Speaker Pelosi, we met directly with Ukrainian government officials, including the Mayor of Kyiv, to discuss what additional defensive assistance was required. Since the Russian invasion of Crimea in 2014, the U.S. has provided over $2 billion in defensive security assistance to Ukraine through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. Now that H.R. 2471 has been signed into law, Congress has continued to deliver on our commitment to help the Ukrainians defend their land.
 

When it comes to U.S sanctions on Russia, I strongly support the Biden administration’s strategy to work in conjunction with our European Allies and partner nations around the world to enact crippling sanctions on the Russian economy and to pressure Putin to end this war. It is critically important that sanctions enacted by the United States be done in concert with other democratic nations to ensure Russia has no options to circumvent the sanctions.

Measures taken by the Biden administration have included sanctioning the Central Bank of Russia, disconnecting Russian banks from the international banking messaging system also known as SWIFT, and enacting sanctions on major Russian technology and defense-related industries. Already, we have seen that these sanctions are working. The value of the Ruble has crashed, and Russia is close to defaulting on foreign debt payments.   

The Biden administration has also sanctioned President Putin, his top military officials and political advisors, as well as several Russian oligarchs. These sanctions involve freezing and seizing assets abroad, and as President Biden announced in his State of the Union address, will also include seizing property and financial assets here in the United States. In the last week alone, President Biden has announced an end to importing Russian energy into the United States and has called for the revocation of Most Favored Nation status as a trading partner of the United States. I am strongly supportive of both measures.

On March 9, I voted in favor of H.R. 6968, the Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act, when it passed the House of Representatives by a 414 to 17 vote. I also voted on March 17 in favor of H.R. 7108, the Suspending Normal Trade Relations with Russia and Belarus Act, when it passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 424 to 8. These important pieces of legislation, in conjunction with actions already taken by the Biden administration, will continue to apply significant economic pressure on Russia to end the war.

Many of you have contacted me regarding the concept of a no-fly zone over Ukraine. I understand why many would think of this option, as it has been successfully used elsewhere in the world. In this case, enforcing a no-fly zone over Ukraine would lead to a direct military confrontation between the United States and Russia. In order for a no-fly zone to work, it must be enforced by U.S. and NATO aircraft. That would mean U.S. or NATO aircraft would have to shoot down Russian planes and helicopters flying into the no-fly zone. To protect our own pilots, the U.S. and NATO would also have to eliminate air defense targets inside Belarus and Russia. The Biden administration and our NATO partners are working very hard to avoid a direct military confrontation between the United States and Russia, and I strongly support President Biden in his decision.   

After hearing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s address to Congress on March 16, the most important thing the United States can do right now is to continue to work in lockstep with the European Union and nations around the world to impose and enforce severe economic consequences on Russia and Russian political leadership.

Already, we are seeing the devastating impacts of sanctions on Russia’s economy, as well as thousands of Russian citizens participating in anti-war protests in cities across Russia. Internal pressure on Putin will continue to rise because of these sanctions. The United States, in conjunction with our NATO allies in Europe and Canada, will continue to provide defensive security equipment that is effective, mobile, and delivering results on the ground right now for Ukraine.

The United States will also continue to provide humanitarian relief not only to Ukraine, but also to our friends in Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and other European nations that have welcomed over three million Ukrainian civilians fleeing the violence.

Please know that I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress and with the Biden administration to assist the Ukrainian people in the days and weeks ahead.

If you are seeking ways to help, visit USAID’s resources page. As always, thank you for being an informed and engaged constituent. 

newswire info
  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania is an award-winning columnist, author & former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1992). A veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the recipient of four SPJ Peter Lisagor Awards for column writing, Hanania writes weekly opinion columns on mainstream American & Chicagoland topics for the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, the Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers, and Suburban Chicagoland.  

His award winning columns can be found at www.HANANIA.COM Subscribe FREE today

Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.

Email Ray Hanania at rghanania@gmail.com.

Follow RayHanania at Twitter
Ray Hanania
Latest posts by Ray Hanania (see all)
  • Robin Kelly details what Trump’s “Big Ugly Bill means for Illinois - June 19, 2025
  • Orland Park Police Department Begins Fourth of July Traffic Safety Campaign - June 19, 2025
  • Dad secured important court victory, keeping sons safe at home - June 19, 2025
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  
 
 
 
           
Federal, Government, National, News Tags:Betty McCollum, Congress, killing civilians, Minnesota, Russia, Russian invasion, supporting Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine, USAID, war crimes, Zelensky

Post navigation

Previous Post: Right from the Middle: Biden must impose stronger sanctions on Russia
Next Post: Tinley Park Police seek identity of armed robbery suspect

Related Posts

  • Congressman Dan Lipinski
    Lipinski introduces bill to end prescription price gouging Baby Boomers
  • Heavy weight Champion and Nation of Islam activist Muhammad Ali at Butler Aviation prior to interview with Ray Hanania. Photo credit Ray Hanania
    Pratt Industries donates $2 million to Muhammad Ali Center Business
  • The Village of Orland Park Recreation Department will hold its annual Family Health Fair on Saturday, March 23 from 9 a.m. until noon at the Village of Orland Park Sportsplex, 11351 West 159th Street.
    Orland Park Sportsplex Annual Family Health Fair Returns March 23 Events
  • Fathers Rights Attorney Jeffery M. Leving
    Fathers are badly needed by their children in troubled times Dads' Rights
  • a proposed development at 4600 N Marine Drive, Chicago opposed by local neighbor associations
    LakeView Towers Association members protest exclusion from 46th Ward public meeting Chicago
  • Garmin Dash Cam error message
    Garmin 67 W Dash Cam has serious App and installation issues Blogger

More Related Articles

Former Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin files petitions to unseat beleaguered Mayor Keith Pekau. Photo courtesy of McLaughlinc ampaign Pekau uses Orland Village Board to put politics over people Blogger
Lt. Bill Leddin instructs CERT trainees on how to properly use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to make it possible to respond to a medical emergency where defibrillation is required. Photo courtesy of the Orland Fire Protection District Orland Fire District hosts CERT Training for district residents on Oct. 7, 2019 Events
Illegal placement of election signs should be prosecuted Blogger
Lyons to demolish old firehouse News
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker Pritzker Administration Announces Chicago Citywide Crisis Prevention & Response Unit Chicago
Geja's Cafe, Fondue specialities Geja’s Café Debuts Giro d’Italia – A Tour of Italy Wine Festival Features

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
Subscribe to Ray Hanania's column graphic

Enter Your Email to Subscribe to Ray Hanania’s Columns

  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • Attorneys Jeffery Leving Arthur Kallow
    Honoring Fathers: A Father’s Day Reflection
    June 13, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Understanding Cook County Property Taxes: A Guide for Homeowners
    June 13, 2025
  • 06-04-25 Two Guys on Politics Background Zoom LOGO with images
    Two Guys on Politics Podcast on Elon Musk, Trump’s Parade, LA Riots, and Middle East ban
    June 12, 2025
  • 05-23-25 Jeffery M. Leving
    Often overlooked single fathers deserve praise this Father’s Day
    June 12, 2025
  • Ray Hanania joins Thom Serafin on The Crisis Cast Podcast this week discussing presidential politics, journalism and how to understand Trump's reality TV persona style
    Podcast: Musk vs Trump and the impact of media distortion on news
    June 11, 2025
  • Opinion: Edgar County Watchdogs continue to exaggerate and lie for political union pals
    June 8, 2025
  • NEWS
  • Congresswoman Robin Kelly official photo
    Robin Kelly details what Trump’s “Big Ugly Bill means for Illinois
    June 19, 2025
  • Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash
    Orland Park Police Department Begins Fourth of July Traffic Safety Campaign
    June 19, 2025
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png
  • SPORTS
  • Chicago Wovles play the Rockford Ice Hogs, Feb. 23, 2025
    Chicago Wolves Hockey skate Past Rockford Icehogs 4 to 2
    February 23, 2025
  • Chicago Wolves player Andrew Poturalski. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Wolves. https://www.chicagowolves.com
    The Chicago Wolves dispatched the Iowa Wild 4-1 on Saturday night at Allstate Arena.
    February 22, 2025
  • NEWS RELEASES
  • Congresswoman Robin Kelly official photo
    Robin Kelly details what Trump’s “Big Ugly Bill means for Illinois
    June 19, 2025
  • 05-23-25 Jeffery M. Leving
    Leving team’s court victory protected dad’s daughters from reported danger
    June 14, 2025
John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE TO RAY HANANIA'S YOUTUBE VIDEOS


Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.

Follow Ray Hanania at
Twitter
Facebook
TitkTok
BlueSky
RayHanania Columns

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

Categories

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme