U.S. Representative Ken Calvert (R-Corona) has expressed his support for national security supplemental bills, asserting that "the world is in chaos." These bills are intended to bolster the defense of U.S.'s allies and partners globally. Calvert was among the numerous lawmakers who voted for nearly $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan on April 20.
"There are moments where action is optional. A convenience but not a necessity. A choice. This is not that moment," said Calvert. "The world is in chaos, Americans have been killed, and our allies and partners are dying on the front lines everyday."
According to a press release from Calvert's office, as chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, the Southern California congressman was an original cosponsor of these bills.
Calvert had previously noted that these legislative measures hold particular relevance as Israel grapples with "direct attacks and an existential threat from Iran," while Ukraine is engaged in a conflict with Russia.
The press release further quotes Calvert saying that China’s Xi Jinping, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, and Iran’s Ali Khamenei will have their way unless they encounter an America standing shoulder to shoulder with its allies and partners around the globe. He warned that there’s no time to "forge new alliances, no ability to reconstitute abandoned production lines, and no hidden reserve of fully trained and ready troops."
The bills released include the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, the Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, and the Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act. This information comes from an April 17 release from Calvert's office.
The Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act aims to replenish Israel’s Iron Dome and David’s Sling systems, enhance support for American military operations, and provide weaponry.
On the other hand, the Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act is designed to arm Ukraine and strengthen U.S. initiatives in that region.
Lastly, the Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act seeks to augment protection for Taiwan amidst escalating military provocations from Mainland China around the island while addressing plans by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to gain control over the Indo-Pacific region.
Representative Calvert is a member of the Republican Party representing California's 41st Congressional District. A lifelong resident of Riverside County, he has owned a small business for nearly two decades, as per his congressional website biography.
Calvert holds a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University (SDSU) and is among the longest-serving members of the U.S. House of Representatives.