U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-16th, greeted Illinois veterans visiting Washington D.C. on an Honor Flight trip in 2017. LaHood voted with a bipartisan majority in favor of a $60 billion package of weapons and aid for Ukraine. (Photo by Jack McCarthy / Chronicle Media)

U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-16th, cited no less an authority than the late President Ronald Reagan after supporting a $60 billion package of weapons and other assistance for Ukraine. 

“Ronald Reagan, a son of the 16th Congressional District of Illinois, famously said, ‘We maintain the peace through our strength; weakness only invites aggression,’” LaHood said in a statement following a bipartisan 311-112 vote in the House of Representatives to renew assistance as Ukraine defends itself in a two-year-old war with Russia. 

LaHood bucked the majority of his Republican colleagues in supporting the package, which passed the House on April 20 and was quickly signed by President Joe Biden. A total of 112 Republicans opposed the bill while 101 backed it. 

Assistance reportedly started flowing within hours. 

“To remain a beacon of freedom, the United States must stand strong with our allies to protect our national security interests in response to rising global threats,” said LaHood, who represents an 18-county district that extends from central Illinois north to the Wisconsin state line. 

The Ukraine aid was part of a broader $95 billion package that also included support for Israel and Taiwan. 

“We’ve watched (Russian President) Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, a sovereign country,” LaHood said. “American hostages remain in Hamas’ control following the Oct. 7 terrorist attack, and Iran (recently) launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, our strongest ally in the Middle East. In the Indo-Pacific, China threatens to invade Taiwan and conducts regular cyber and economic aggressions against our national interests.” 

LaHood joined all 14 Illinois Democratic representatives in support of the measure. His two Illinois Republican colleagues opposed it. 

“I have previously voted against new funding for Ukraine due to widespread concerns about how the resources are being utilized,” U.S. Rep. Mike Bost, R-12, wrote on Facebook. “When our own southern border is in crisis and Americans’ safety is at risk, how can we justify sending money to Ukraine without ironclad accountability for where the money is going?” 

U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, R-15, echoed Bost’s sentiments. 

“Funding the Ukraine proxy war should not take priority over protecting American citizens from the terrorists, murderers, and fentanyl crossing our border,” she said in a statement. “Biden puts Ukraine first and America last, which is why the House must demand border security before giving Biden a slush fund for foreign wars.” 

Ukrainian support was delayed for months by political turmoil and Republican opposition in the House. 

“This chamber has been handcuffed by excuses from extremists and appeasements from leaders when it comes to aiding Ukraine,” said U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, a Chicago Democrat from the 5th Congressional District. “With our inaction, Ukraine has been rationing munitions, losing ground, and enduring a constant bombardment from Russia’s army. Finally, Speaker (Mike) Johnson accepted the reality that Ukraine has no time to waste and answered their calls.” 

LaHood, a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, said the broad package was necessary. 

“The world is watching how we respond,” LaHood said. “I’ve read reports that I believe paint a stark picture of the grave threats America and our allies face. 

“Allowing Russia, China, Iran, and their proxies to steamroll our allies will not put our interests first or keep America safe. If Congress fails to act in support of our allies now, providing basic military support, we will cede ground to our adversaries, turn our backs on freedom, and put American service members around the world in harm’s way.” 

LaHood, who has served in Congress since 2015, is unopposed in November’s general election.