SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Republican lawmakers are calling Ukraine President Zelenskyy's visit to Scranton last weekend an "apparent campaign event" for Kamala Harris, and they want to know who's footing the bill for the visit.
28/22 News has confirmed the visit was funded by the US Department of Defense. We still don't know how much it costs taxpayers, but we are working on getting that information.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy toured the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant on Sunday.
Submit an I-Team Tip
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson and other GOP leaders want the visit investigated.
"They made a campaign stop on behalf of the Democratic Party. Secondly, we have given a tacit endorsement to Kamala Harris. That's not what we need our allies to be doing or any foreign nation. I think it's election interference," Johnson said.
GOP lawmakers allege that only Democratic lawmakers were invited to take part in the tour, including Senator Bob Casey, Congressman Matt Cartwright, and Governor Josh Shapiro.
At about 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Senator Bob Casey posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, the following:
The Scranton Army Ammunition Plant is playing a critical role bolstering Ukraine’s forces, and I was honored to join President Zelenskyy to thank Pennsylvania workers for helping defend democracy. Attempts to smear his visit to our Commonwealth are an insult and a disgrace.
Senator Bob Casey
Cartwright and Bresnehan also released statements.
“I accepted an invitation from the U.S. Army, General Dynamics, and other officials to express gratitude for the tireless efforts of Scranton Army Ammunition Plant workers on site, and I am always eager to honor those workers, as they truly deserve it. Northeastern Pennsylvania manufacturing is second to none, and I am committed to the expansion of high-quality jobs that will raise our standard of living and keep our nation safe.”
Congressman Matt Cartwright
"It’s deeply concerning that Ukraine’s president is being used as a partisan tool in our American presidential campaign, especially when bipartisan majorities in Congress have consistently provided Ukraine with the resources necessary to defend itself against Russia’s unprovoked aggression.
I also take issue with Congressman Cartwright fast-tracking the allocation of hundreds of billions of dollars overseas with no questions asked, while critical infrastructure here at home—like roads, bridges, and electrical grids—remains bogged down by bureaucratic red tape and neglected for years.
Congress needs to learn how to walk and chew bubblegum at the same time.”
8th Congressional District Candidate Rob Bresnahan
A spokesperson for the Department of Defense sent a statement to the I-Team.
“The flight was a US Department of Defense-funded mission. The DoD requested Military Airlift (MILAIR) support to facilitate travel for senior U.S. government officials from both the Department of State and the Department of Defense. These officials were conducting official business related to US security assistance to Ukraine. This included a stop at Newark Liberty International Airport, where they linked up with President Zelensky before continuing to Wilkes-Barre International Airport in Pennsylvania.”
Department of Defense Spokesman Charlie Dietz
But at what cost, if any, to taxpayers?
The I-Team sent 'right to know requests to the City of Scranton, Lackawanna County, PennDOT, and the state police, and will the DOD reimburse local taxpayers?
Taxpayers 28/22 News spoke with say they are watching the investigation very closely.
Comer wants oversight committee to investigate Zelenskyy’s Scranton visit
"Well, I always wonder why they are coming over here, what they want to discuss, and who's paying for it?" said Nanticoke Resident Patricia Boltz.
"I think it's an amazing opportunity for us to see him here. I think it was pretty cool," said Angela Hosey from Plains Township.
28/22 News is still working on this story.
