DeLauro Statement on Defense Department’s Purchase of 30 Helicopters from Rosoboronexport

WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) releasedthe following statement today on news the Defense Department has purchased 30Mi-17 helicopters Rosoboronexport, the Russian state arms dealer. Last weekDeLauro ledan amendment in the National Defense Authorization Act prohibitingcontracts with Rosoboronexport. In March, DeLauro led a group ofrepresentatives ina letter to Defense Secretary Hagel, urging him not to make this purchase.

"Today's announcement flies in the face of last week'soverwhelmingly bipartisan vote by the House of Representatives. Particularlycoming so soon on the heels a 423-0 vote, it is deeply troubling to see reportsthat the contract with the Russian state arms dealer is moving forward. Iwill continue to lead bipartisan efforts to end this relationship as Congresshas made clear it does not believe U.S. taxpayers should continue to subsidizea company providing weapons the Syrian regime is using to fuel the tragic warin that country."