Johnson sponsors bill recognizing heroic efforts of Ukrainian defenders

Bipartisan legislation offered by U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) would collectively award the distinguished Congressional Gold Medal to the Ukrainians defending free democracy against Russia’s unprovoked war of aggression.

“The Ukrainian people are truly resilient,” Rep. Johnson said. “Despite looking down the barrel of the Russian military, thousands of Ukrainians answered the call to defend their homeland and volunteered to protect their republic. The United States stands behind Ukraine and is opposed to Putin’s act of war. Our House resolution makes that clear.”

Rep. Johnson on March 15 sponsored the Defenders of Ukraine Congressional Gold Medal Act, H.R. 7088, with 16 original cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Troy Balderson (R-OH), and Stephanie Murphy (D-FL).

The medal would be presented to the democratically elected government of Ukraine on behalf of the Ukrainian people, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Johnson’s office.

The bill states that on Feb. 24, the Russian Federation expanded its war against Ukraine by launching an unprovoked, full-scale invasion of the peaceful, independent country. In response, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians have heroically volunteered to defend their country, joining its Armed Forces and taking up arms against Russian armed forces, according to the text.

“Ukrainian civilians, both armed and unarmed, have shown immense bravery in their heroic attempts to disrupt the Russian war efforts, with little regard for their own safety,” according to the bill, which would recognize such efforts via Congress awarding them the highest civilian award in the United States.

H.R. 7088 has been referred for consideration to both the U.S. House Financial Services Committee and the U.S. House Administration Committee.