A political group that supports Ukraine has begun to support lawmakers who are sympathetic to the country as it tries to resist Russia's invasion.
The new organization, called American Ukraine PAC, is led by Jed Sunden, the creator of Kyiv Post, the earliest English-language newspaper in Ukraine, which he possessed from 1995 to 2009. owned from 1995 to 2009.
“We want to gather funds to help congressmen who back Ukraine,” Sunden told The Hill. The PAC aims to raise money to support their political campaigns.
In the coming months, the group plans to hold 20 fundraisers for lawmakers in Congress from both political parties. For most of the fundraisers, the PAC will work with local Ukrainian communities.
“The Ukrainian community has many supporters in Congress who are in favor of us and support Ukraine. It is our duty to support them in their reelection campaigns,” said Sunden.
One of the priorities for the group will be supporting members of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus, a bipartisan alliance of over 90 lawmakers in Congress that supports the country facing difficulties.
The PAC will strive to “develop strong connections with candidates for the US House and Senate who promote the crucial partnership between the United States and Ukraine,” according to its website.
The American Ukraine PAC reported that it kicked off with a “productive” fundraiser for Congressman Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.), a member of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus.
“Rep Boyle has been a strong advocate for Ukraine since he was elected to office,” Sunden said. “We are pleased to support Rep Boyle in his reelection campaign.”
The establishment of the group comes as Congress grapples with passing assistance to Ukraine.
President Biden has urged the House to pass it, even during his recent appearance at the annual Friends of Ireland luncheon to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) in attendance. urged The national security supplemental, which includes $60 billion in aid for Ukraine, passed the Senate last month. However, Johnson has yet to bring the legislation to the floor. The bill also includes funding for Israel and humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza.
Johnson indicated this week that he intends to address the aid, but has not disclosed the specifics of how the package will unfold. At the House GOP retreat in West Virginia this week, he
the House is “working through all the different options right now,” warning that the supplemental “may not be exactly the same as the Senate supplemental.” There is increasing opposition to Ukraine aid within Johnson's conference. said The Hill has contacted Boyle's office for a comment request.
A pro-Ukraine political committee has been established to support lawmakers who are backing the country in its efforts to resist Russia's invasion. The new group, known as American Ukraine PAC, is led by Jed Sunden, the creator of Kyiv Post, the oldest English-language newspaper in Ukraine, which he owned from 1995 to 2009. “We…