Monday, February 7th 2022, 6:37 pm
The United States and its European allies are intensifying their efforts to prevent a Russian invasion of Ukraine with both a show of force and solidarity.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was scheduled to make his first visit to the White House where he and President Biden are, among other things, expected to reaffirm the strength of their transatlantic bond and their commitment to Ukrainian sovereignty.
Meanwhile, the first of some 3,000 U.S. troops Biden ordered to Eastern Europe in support of NATO arrived in Poland, even as more U.S. lethal aid arrives in Ukraine.
Republicans have criticized the president and Germany for allowing Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline project to go forward, which they say will hurt Ukraine and increase Europe's dependence on Russia for natural gas. They generally agree the U.S should not be putting troops on Ukrainian soil.
"I want it to be clear, there is no U.S. combat role in Ukraine. There isn't going to be one," said Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) on Face the Nation Sunday, "I don't know of anyone who supports it, not even the Ukrainians."
Among the Oklahoma delegation, however, there is some disagreement.
Oklahoma Congressman Kevin Hern (R-OK1) seemed underwhelmed by the president's decision to send troops to support NATO.
"I’m not sure what 2,000 troops or 3,000 troops are going to do, other than do some saber-rattling over in Eastern Europe," said Congressman Hern.
Congressman Markwayne Mullin acknowledged he isn't fully informed on the situation but said sending 3,000 troops to Eastern Europe "is a joke."
"You want to show Russia you’re serious," said Mullin (R-OK2), "put [the troops] in Ukraine. Eastern Europe? What is that doing?"
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