ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The North Carolina congressional delegation was nearly united in support of this weekend’s 311-112 vote approving $60.8 billion in aid to Ukraine in its war against Russia.

Eleventh District U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards, a Republican whose district includes much of Western North Carolina, voted in favor of the resolution, as did 13 of the 14 members of the state’s House of Representatives Delegation.

U.S. Rep. Dan Bishop, a Republican from the south-central 8th District, was the lone North Carolina lawmaker to vote in opposition.
Earlier this month, Edwards was part of a bipartisan congressional delegation to Ukraine, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other regional leaders.

All 14 members of the delegation, including Bishop, voted for a $26 billion aid package for Israel, which passed 366-58 despite opposition from 33 progressive Democrats and 18 Republicans.

“The Ukrainian democracy, as imperfect as it may be, is quickly crumbling to Vladimir Putin, a card-carrying KGB Marxist murderer with no regard for human life,” Edwards stated in a release following his return. “At this moment in Ukraine, civilians are being tortured and murdered, children are being kidnapped, sexual assault is being used as a weapon of war, and Christians are being persecuted.”

Edwards said, “Our nation can no longer allow itself to fall prey to Putin’s propaganda about this war. Now is not the time for America to hide in isolationism, as Putin is trying to manipulate us to do.”

Bishop has consistently voted against foreign aid to Ukraine, saying European allies should step up and do more and that the United States should focus on domestic priorities like fighting inflation rather than “supporting foreign wars.” Bishop’s office did not immediately respond to a question seeking his explanation for the latest Ukraine vote.

The Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations divided Republicans overall, with 101 voting in favor and 112 opposed. One Republican voted present and four did not cast votes. Congressional Democrats were united in favor of the aid, 210-0, with three members not voting.

CUTLINE:
A Ukrainian serviceman with the 65th Brigade opens the door of his armored vehicle at the frontline in the Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine, on Sunday, April 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Andriy Andriyenko)