February 10, 2025
Mr. Wilson of South Carolina (for himself and Mr. Cohen) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs
To provide enhanced authority for the President to enter into agreements with the Government of Ukraine to lend or lease defense articles to that Government to protect civilian populations in Ukraine from Russian military invasion, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Freedom First Lend Lease Act
.
Sec. 2. Loan and lease of defense articles to the Governments of Ukraine and eastern flank countries
(a) Authority To lend or lease defense articles to certain governments
(1) In general
Subject to paragraph (2), for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, the President may authorize the United States Government to lend or lease defense articles to the Government of Ukraine or to governments of Eastern European countries impacted by the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine to help bolster those countries’ defense capabilities and protect their civilian populations from potential invasion or ongoing aggression by the armed forces of the Government of the Russian Federation.
(2) Exclusions
For the purposes of the authority described in paragraph (1) as that authority relates to Ukraine, the following provisions of law shall not apply:
(A)
Section 503(b)(3) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2311(b)(3)).
(B)
Section 61 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2796).
(3) Condition
Any loan or lease of defense articles to the Government of Ukraine under paragraph (1) shall be subject to all applicable laws concerning the return of and reimbursement and repayment for defense articles loan or leased to foreign governments.
(4) Delegation of authority
The President may delegate the enhanced authority under this subsection only to an official appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
(b) Procedures for delivery of defense articles
Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall establish expedited procedures for the delivery of any defense article loaned or leased to the Government of Ukraine under an agreement entered into under subsection (a) to ensure timely delivery of the article to that Government.
(c) Definition of defense article
In this Act, the term defense article
has the meaning given that term in section 47 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2794).