On the recordJanuary 29, 2020
Mr. Chief Justice, I have a question for the President's counsel, and it is cosponsored by Senators Rounds, Wicker, Ernst, Blackburn, Tillis, Cramer, Cotton, Sullivan, McSally, all members of the Senate Armed Services Committee. The CHIEF JUSTICE. The Senators ask the following question of the counsel for the President: Mr. Cipollone, as Members of the Senate Armed Committee, we listened intently when Manager Crow was defending one of Senator Schumer's amendments to the organizing resolution last week as he explained how he had firsthand experience being denied military aid when he needed it during his service. As you know, David Hale, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, confirmed that the lethal aid provided to Ukraine last year was future aid. Which would you say had the greater military impact: President Trump's temporary pause of 48 days on future aid that will now be delivered to Ukraine, or President Obama's steadfast refusal to provide lethal aid to Ukraine for 3 years--more than 1,000 days-- while Ukraine attempted to hold back Russia's invasion and preserve its sovereignty? Mr. Counsel PHILBIN. Mr. Chief Justice. Thank you, Senators for that question. I think it was far more serious and far more jeopardy for the Ukrainians the decision of the Obama administration to not use the authority that was given by Congress--that many of you all, many Members of the House of Representatives voted for--giving the U.S.…
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