Dayton Reporter

U.S. Congressman Michael R. Turner, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, has expressed his objection to the U.S. Department of Defense's decision to pause military aid to Ukraine without notifying key government bodies. Turner filed an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) addressing this issue.

Turner's amendment criticized the Department of Defense for canceling or suspending planned shipments of weapons to Ukraine without adequate notification. He stated that this lack of communication undermines trust and transparency and affects the United States' reliability in supporting partners engaged in active conflict.

The House Armed Services Committee adopted Turner's requirements for the Defense Department to brief Congress on its statutory authorities and plans related to defense articles committed but not yet transferred to Ukraine. The briefing is also expected to cover any future decisions that might impact defense deliveries.

HASC Chairman Mike Rogers supported Turner's amendment, which was agreed upon unanimously during committee debates.

The committee's actions coincide with announcements from U.S. President Donald J. Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte about additional weapon sales, including Patriot air defense missile systems, for use by Ukraine against Russian forces.

Additionally, the Committee-approved FY 2026 NDAA includes $400 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, marking a $100 million increase from initial proposals. This amendment was authored by Representative Adam Smith and received bipartisan support with a vote of 48-9, backed by Turner.

The House Armed Services Committee debated and approved its Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act on July 15, 2025, with a final vote count of 55-2.