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AR 183

Declares support for Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees residing in NJ; expresses solidarity with its citizens; urges federal government to continue providing support for Ukraine and funds for refugee programs.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mitchelle Drulis

Affirms New Jersey’s support for Ukraine and its refugees, urges continued federal aid and refugee funding, and calls for sustained action amid the ongoing conflict.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee
#commemoratio #minority #stategovt
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Bill Summary · AR 183

Summary: Assembly Resolution AR 183 (NJ)

Overview

  • Bill Number: AR 183
  • Title: Declares support for Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees residing in New Jersey; expresses solidarity with its citizens; urges federal government to continue providing support for Ukraine and funds for refugee programs.
  • Type: Assembly Resolution (non-binding); expresses sentiment and public policy preferences.
  • Status: Introduced in the New Jersey General Assembly on March 17, 2025; referred to the Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee.
  • Introduced: March 17, 2025
  • Subject: Commemoration, Minority, State Government

Purpose and Context

AR 183 formally expresses gratitude and solidarity with the people of Ukraine and with Ukrainian residents and refugees in New Jersey. It condemns Russia’s aggression, calls for a negotiated settlement that preserves Ukraine’s sovereignty, and urges the federal government to maintain and expand support for Ukraine and for refugee programs. The resolution situates New Jersey’s stance within broader U.S. and international responses to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and highlights the impact of federal funding changes on refugees and service providers in New Jersey.

Key Provisions and Provisions’ Intent

  • Expresses gratitude and solidarity:
    • Acknowledges Ukraine’s sacrifices and courage in resisting aggression.
    • Affirms New Jersey’s solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
  • Condemns aggression:
    • Declares Russia’s invasion illegal and assigns responsibility to Vladimir Putin and the Russian Federation.
  • Urges ongoing and enhanced federal action (several requests):
    • Continue military and economic aid to Ukraine for as long as the invasion lasts, and seek lasting security guarantees as part of a negotiated peace.
    • After a negotiated settlement, ensure measures to sustain peace.
    • Unfreeze and restore funding for federal refugee programs and aid to Ukraine and its people.
  • Addresses refugee and domestic impact:
    • Notes disruption to refugee programs and funding following actions such as the January 2025 executive order suspending the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.
    • Highlights adverse effects on New Jersey service providers and related employment and services.
  • Economic and trade context:
    • Emphasizes U.S.-Ukraine trade links and Ukraine’s exports (e.g., iron, steel, fertilizers, agricultural products, machinery) that support New Jersey’s economy.
    • Cites NJ’s position as having one of the nation’s higher export figures to Ukraine in 2022 and the resulting benefits to NJ businesses.
  • Community impact:
    • References approximately 67,000 Ukrainian-Americans in New Jersey and their contributions to the state.
  • Formal actions and communications:
    • Directs that copies be transmitted to federal leaders (President, Vice President, Speaker, Senate leaders, members of Congress from NJ) and Ukraine’s ambassadors to the U.S. and U.N.

Affected Parties and Potential Impacts

  • Primary beneficiaries:
    • Ukrainian refugees and Ukrainian-American residents in New Jersey (potentially benefiting from continued federal support and restored refugee funding).
    • Service providers in New Jersey that assist refugees (employment services, English language training, integration programs).
  • Indirect beneficiaries:
    • New Jersey businesses and workers impacted by trade disruptions and higher prices due to the war.
    • The broader NJ community that benefits from the cultural, economic, and social contributions of Ukrainian-Americans.
  • Policy impact (non-binding):
    • The resolution expresses policy preferences and requests of the federal government; it does not itself change law but signals state legislative intent and positions.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Introduced and referred to the Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee.
  • Next steps: Committee consideration, potential further action by the Assembly, and possible floor votes. If adopted, the resolution would be transmitted to federal and international officials as specified.

Contextual Background (Representative “Whereas” Context)

  • Recaps Ukraine’s independence (1991) and the Budapest Memorandum (1994) on sovereignty and borders.
  • Documents Russia’s invasions (2014 Crimea/ eastern regions; 2022 full-scale war) and related war crimes concerns.
  • Notes ICC warrants (2023) and casualties/displacements caused by the conflict.
  • References U.S. refugee programs (Refugee Act of 1980; Uniting for Ukraine) and refugee admissions trends, including the 2025 pause in U.S. refugee programs and funding.
  • Highlights NJ’s Ukrainian-American population and economic ties between the U.S. and Ukraine.

This AR 183 is a reaffirmation of New Jersey’s support for Ukraine and its refugees, calling for continued federal action and funding in response to the ongoing conflict and its consequences.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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