Press releases

Kennedy, Sinema welcome selection of dedicated Inspector General for Ukraine

Sep 27 2023

WASHINGTON – Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) today welcomed the appointment of a Lead Inspector General (IG) to provide focused oversight of America’s aid to Ukraine. Kennedy and Sinema led the effort in Congress to install a Special IG in Ukraine who could provide comprehensive oversight to ensure America’s friends in Ukraine use taxpayer-funded aid efficiently and effectively in their fight against Russia’s illegal invasion

“America’s aid to Ukraine isn’t charity; it’s an important investment in our national security. I’m pleased that the Department of Defense has listened to our proposal and selected a Lead Inspector General to ensure that every dollar the American taxpayers sent to Ukraine is used to deter Russia’s aggression,” said Kennedy. 

“As America stands with Ukraine and ensures it has the tools and resources necessary to defend itself against Russia’s illegal and unprovoked war, we’re glad the Administration listened to our calls and appointed a Lead Inspector General to provide critical oversight of our aid,” said Sinema.

Background

The Department of Defense’s Office of Inspector General announced on Saturday that Robert Storch would be the Lead IG overseeing aid to Ukraine. The United States has provided at least $113 billion in aid to Ukraine since Russian President Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion began in February 2022.

Kennedy and Sinema have consistently advocated for the installation of a dedicated IG to track American aid to Ukraine, including: 

  • Leading a letter in June 2023 asking the Special IG for Afghanistan Reconstruction, John F. Sopko, to provide insight on the importance of having dedicated oversight in Ukraine.
  • Publishing this op-ed in USA Today in June 2023 calling on Congress to work together to install a dedicated IG to provide comprehensive oversight on our aid to Ukraine.
  • Sponsoring an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act in July 2023 based on the Independent and Objective Oversight of Ukrainian Assistance Act to select a Lead IG to provide full-time oversight of aid in Ukraine.