Congresswoman voted against Ukrainian aid despite being born and brought up there

U.S. Representative Victoria Spartz, the sole Ukrainian-born member of Congress, has found herself at odds with her colleagues and constituents over her stance on providing additional support to Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia.

Despite her Ukrainian ties, Spartz voted against a $61 billion aid package for the war effort, citing concerns about oversight and advocating for a greater focus on US border security instead of giving ‘blank cheques’.

Spartz’s position aligns her more closely with conservative House Republicans and reflects the sentiments of voters in her deeply conservative central Indiana congressional district, where she faces a tough reelection fight in the May 7 GOP primary.

Her decision to oppose the aid package comes amid her earlier announcement that she would not seek another term, a decision she later reversed, further complicating her reelection campaign.

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The aid package, which also included assistance for Israel, Taiwan, and other global hot spots, was approved by Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden. Despite criticism from some quarters, Spartz defended her stance, emphasising her responsibility to prioritise the protection of American citizens.

During a recent interview and a public event in Indiana, Spartz reiterated her commitment to American interests and criticised the notion that her Ukrainian heritage should dictate her support for the aid package.

Her opponents in the primary, including state Representative Chuck Goodrich, have seized on the issue of border security as a central theme in their campaigns, arguing that it should take precedence over aid to Ukraine.

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Despite facing challenges from well-funded opponents and criticism over her shifting stance on reelection, Spartz maintains a significant advantage as the incumbent. With support from former President Donald Trump, Spartz hopes to secure victory in the primary and continue her tenure representing Indiana’s 5th district in Congress.

With inputs from Agencies