As the Russia-Ukraine War rages on, the Biden Administration has announced it will send cluster bombs to aid in Ukraine's war effort. Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL), an outspoken skeptic of American involvement in the conflict, announced on his podcast Firebrand he would cosponsor Representative Sara Jacobs' (D-CA) amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) prohibiting the cluster bombs' transfer.
Cluster bombs, as the name suggests, are a clutch of bomblets designed to cover a wide area. Because of their indiscriminate effect and the danger unexploded bomblets pose to civilians, many countries have banned their use, and the Biden Administration's decision has raised eyebrows worldwide.
Rep. Gaetz stated the transfer of cluster bombs "will not end the war in Ukraine and will not build a more stable country."
BREAKING: I will be the Republican co-sponsor on the NDAA amendment introduced by @RepSaraJacobs to stop the transfer of cluster bombs.
These cluster bombs will not end the war in Ukraine and will not build a more stable country.
Children will be left without limbs and without… pic.twitter.com/xmu8KAWPEt
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) July 10, 2023
Additionally, Rep. Gaetz stated cluster bombs were used in bloody and seemingly endless conflicts such as Afghanistan, Syria, Lebanon, Laos, and Yemen, saying, "It is hardly the cornerstone of a path to peace."
"Cluster bombs will not end the war in Ukraine. Let's look at the countries where cluster bombs have been used: Laos, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria. Cluster bombs are features of the world's bloodiest and most inhumane wars and some of the longest. It is hardly the cornerstone of a path to peace," said Gaetz.
Other Democrats have expressed opposition to the Biden Administration's position, such as Rep. Jacobs' colleague Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA), who told CNN, "Cluster bombs should never be used," and the United States would "risk losing our moral leadership."
This is likely what Gaetz referred to when he said in the clip, "We have an opportunity with bipartisanship to stand against the warmongering Bidens."
As mentioned, Gaetz has repeatedly criticized American aid in Ukraine, calling for transparency on where funds sent to the beleaguered country are going in January and February, citing Ukraine's infamy for corruption. In April, Gaetz called for a resolution of inquiry after documents leaked by Air Force Guardsman Jack Teixeira suggested 14 U.S. servicemembers were in Ukraine.
Aside from Ukraine, Gaetz also sought to remove the American presence in Syria in February and voted down in March. Undeterred, he demanded the removal of U.S. troops in Somalia that same month, which was also voted down.
