{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://ross.house.gov/2023/8/representatives-ross-lawler-introduce-legislation-to-help-modernize-moldovan-armed-forces-to-deter-russian-aggression", "Representatives Ross, Lawler Introduce Legislation to Help Modernize Moldovan Armed Forces to Deter Russian Aggression", "2023-08-08", "2023", "2023-08", "Democrat", "House", "NC", "Deborah K. Ross", "R000305", "ross.house.gov", "ross", "https://ross.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Representatives Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Mike Lawler (NY-17), co-chairs of the Congressional Moldova Caucus, introduced the U.S. \u2013 Moldova Defense Partnership Act, legislation that would help Moldova modernize its military following Russia\u2019s unprovoked invasion of Moldova\u2019s neighbor, Ukraine.\n\nThe bill directs the State Department to maximize funding available to Moldova through the European Recapitalization Incentive Program to assist the country in meeting its defense needs and to support its transition away from Russian-produced military equipment. Currently, 99% of Moldova\u2019s military equipment dates from the Soviet-era and is largely ill-suited to help the country defend itself against Russian aggression.\n\n\u201cAs Russia continues its unprovoked, unjustified war against Ukraine, Moldova is increasingly facing intimidation by the Russian government and threats to its sovereignty and security,\u201d said Congresswoman Ross. \u201cNow more than ever, we must ensure our democratic allies have the tools and resources they need to defend themselves in the face of Russian aggression. I\u2019m proud to introduce this legislation with Congressman Lawler and send a strong message that the United States stands with the people of Moldova at this critical moment in the country\u2019s history.\u201d\n\n\"I\u2019m proud to join my Moldova Caucus Co-Chair Deborah Ross in introducing the U.S.-Moldova Defense Partnership Act,\" said Congressman Lawler. \"Moldova is a critical partner and ally, bravely standing up to Putin\u2019s aggression and repeated attempts to thwart their democracy. It\u2019s incumbent on us and our democratic partners to ensure Moldova is well-equipped to defend itself, stand up to Russian aggression, and work in closer concert with the free world. This legislation will help make that possible by providing the investment Moldova\u2019s military needs, ensuring its modernization, and weaning it off of outdated Russian equipment.\"\n\nThis legislation will ensure the United States continues to express full support for its democratic allies in Europe. Bill text is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:30:18Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://ross.house.gov/2023/8/representatives-ross-lawler-introduce-legislation-to-help-modernize-moldovan-armed-forces-to-deter-russian-aggression"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 0.8631329983472824, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}