Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) spearheaded a recent letter to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought demanding answers on why $400 million pledged to Ukraine aid was delayed until the end of Fiscal Year 2026.
The Context
In December 2025, Congress approved $400 million in aid to Ukraine for the 2026 Fiscal Year as part of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI).
However, the money was not delivered until the end of the fiscal year, and some weapons will not reach the embattled country until 2029.
Additionally, the package allegedly lacks interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems as planned.
The Letter
"Ukraine's armed forces need and deserve continued American support, and Congress has provided the resources to deliver it," Sen. Gallego wrote, adding, "We remain committed to supporting Ukraine's defense and will continue to hold the Administration accountable for delivering these funds as Congress intended."
In addition to demanding an explanation for the delay and lack of missiles, Sen. Gallego and the other signatories want answers on the delivery schedule and how the Trump Administration will accelerate it.
Finally, the OMB must ensure that it apportions and executes any FY2027 Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative funding Congress provides promptly and without similar delay.
Gallego on Ukraine
In April, the Arizona Senator introduced a bipartisan bill restoring and strengthening Congressional oversight of U.S. sanctions on Russian oil amidst the war in Ukraine and operations against Iran.
The bill, named the No Oil Profits for Enemies (NOPE) Act, was a response to President Donald Trump issuing temporary sanctions relief on Russian oil exports to offset surging oil prices resulting from the Iran conflict and the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz.
"By restoring and strengthening congressional oversight on Russian sanctions, this bill would make sure the U.S. stands on the side of democracy, stops recklessly bankrolling our adversaries, and keep the pressure on Russia to end its illegal war," said Gallego.
