WASHINGTON (AP) — If you get health care coverage through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/index.html">Medicaid</a>, you might be at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-covid-304d921beee43d29f1862cd4d6ab5297">risk of losing that coverage</a>&nbsp;over the next year.

Roughly 84 million people are covered by the government-sponsored program, which has grown by 20 million people since January 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

But as states begin checking everyone's eligibility for Medicaid for the first time in three years, as many as 14 million people could lose access to that health care coverage.

A look at why so many people may no longer qualify for the Medicaid program over the next year and what you need to know if you're one of those people who relies on the program.

At the beginning of the pandemic, the federal government prohibited states from kicking people off Medicaid, even if they were no longer eligible. Before the pandemic, people would regularly lose their Medicaid coverage if they started making too much money to qualify for the program, gained health care coverage through their employer or moved into a new state.

That all stopped once COVID-19 started spreading across the country.

Over the next year, states will be required to start checking the eligibility again of every person who is on Medicaid. People will have to fill out forms to verify their personal information, including address, income and household size.

That will vary depending on which state you live in; some states are moving faster than others to check eligibility. Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oklahoma and West Virginia are among the states that will begin removing ineligible Medicaid recipients as early as April.

Other states will start taking that step in May, June or July.

Not everyone will be removed from the program all at once. States plan to verify all recipients’ eligibility over periods of nine months to one year.

HOW WILL I BE NOTIFIED IF I’M LOSING COVERAGE?

If you rely on Medicaid for care, it’s important to update your contact information, including home address, phone number and email with the state from which you receive benefits.

States will mail a renewal form to your home. The federal government also requires states to contact you in another way -– by phone, text message or email –- to remind you to fill out the form.

Even if mailed notices reach the right address, they can be set aside and forgotten, said Kate McEvoy, executive director of the nonprofit National Association of Medicaid Directors.

“A text might just grab someone’s attention in a way that would be more accessible,” she said, noting that a quick message also may be less intimidating than a mailed notice.

Most states have already used texting for things such as reminding patients to get a COVID-19 vaccine or about upcoming doctor’s visits. But sending mass texts on Medicaid eligibility will be new, McEvoy said.

You will have at least 30 days to fill out the form. If you do not fill out the form, states will be able to remove you from Medicaid.

WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS IF I’M KICKED OFF MEDICAID?

Many people who will no longer qualify for Medicaid coverage can turn to the Affordable Care Act’s marketplace for coverage, where they’ll find health care coverage options that may cost less than $10 a month.

But the coverage available on the marketplace will still be vastly different from what’s offered through Medicaid. Out-of-pocket expenses and co-pays are often higher. Also, people will need to check if the insurance plans offered through the marketplace will still cover their doctors.

A special enrollment period will open for people who are unenrolled from Medicaid that will start on March 31 and last through July 31, 2024. People who lose Medicaid coverage will have up to 60 days to enroll after losing coverage, according to guidance the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services sent to states last month.

MY CHILDREN ARE ENROLLED IN MEDICAID. WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THEIR COVERAGE?

More than half of U.S. children receive health care coverage through Medicaid or the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.healthcare.gov/medicaid-chip/childrens-health-insurance-program/">Children’s Health Insurance Program</a>.

Even if you receive a notice that you’re no longer eligible for Medicaid, it’s likely that your child still qualifies for the program or for health care coverage through CHIP, which covers children whose families make too much money qualify for Medicaid but don’t earn enough to afford private health insurance.

Between 80% and 90% percent of children will still be eligible for those programs, according to estimates from the Georgetown University Health Policy Institute’s Center for Children and Families.

“When a parent receives a message that they aren’t eligible anymore, they often assume their child is no longer eligible either,” said Joan Alker, the center’s executive director. “It’s more common to find that the parent is no longer eligible for Medicaid, but the child still is.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — If you get health care coverage through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/index.html">Medicaid</a>, you might be at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-covid-304d921beee43d29f1862cd4d6ab5297">risk of losing that coverage</a>&nbsp;over the next year.Roughly 84 million people are covered by the government-sponsored program, which has grown by 20 million people since January 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.But as states begin checking everyone's eligibility for Medicaid for the first time in three years, as many as 14 million people could lose access to that health care coverage.A look at why so many people may no longer qualify for the Medicaid program over the next year and what you need to know if you're one of those people who relies on the program.WHAT’S HAPPENING TO MEDICAID?At the beginning of the pandemic, the federal government prohibited states from kicking people off Medicaid, even if they were no longer eligible. Before the pandemic, people would regularly lose their Medicaid coverage if they started making too much money to qualify for the program, gained health care coverage through their employer or moved into a new state.That all stopped once COVID-19 started spreading across the country.Over the next year, states will be required to start checking the eligibility again of every person who is on Medicaid. People will have to fill out forms to verify their personal information, including address, income and household size.___WHEN MIGHT I LOSE MY COVERAGE?That will vary depending on which state you live in; some states are moving faster than others to check eligibility. Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oklahoma and West Virginia are among the states that will begin removing ineligible Medicaid recipients as early as April.Other states will start taking that step in May, June or July.Not everyone will be removed from the program all at once. States plan to verify all recipients’ eligibility over periods of nine months to one year.___HOW WILL I BE NOTIFIED IF I’M LOSING COVERAGE?If you rely on Medicaid for care, it’s important to update your contact information, including home address, phone number and email with the state from which you receive benefits.States will mail a renewal form to your home. The federal government also requires states to contact you in another way -– by phone, text message or email –- to remind you to fill out the form.Even if mailed notices reach the right address, they can be set aside and forgotten, said Kate McEvoy, executive director of the nonprofit National Association of Medicaid Directors.“A text might just grab someone’s attention in a way that would be more accessible,” she said, noting that a quick message also may be less intimidating than a mailed notice.Most states have already used texting for things such as reminding patients to get a COVID-19 vaccine or about upcoming doctor’s visits. But sending mass texts on Medicaid eligibility will be new, McEvoy said.You will have at least 30 days to fill out the form. If you do not fill out the form, states will be able to remove you from Medicaid.___WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS IF I’M KICKED OFF MEDICAID?Many people who will no longer qualify for Medicaid coverage can turn to the Affordable Care Act’s marketplace for coverage, where they’ll find health care coverage options that may cost less than $10 a month.But the coverage available on the marketplace will still be vastly different from what’s offered through Medicaid. Out-of-pocket expenses and co-pays are often higher. Also, people will need to check if the insurance plans offered through the marketplace will still cover their doctors.A special enrollment period will open for people who are unenrolled from Medicaid that will start on March 31 and last through July 31, 2024. People who lose Medicaid coverage will have up to 60 days to enroll after losing coverage, according to guidance the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services sent to states last month.___MY CHILDREN ARE ENROLLED IN MEDICAID. WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THEIR COVERAGE?More than half of U.S. children receive health care coverage through Medicaid or the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.healthcare.gov/medicaid-chip/childrens-health-insurance-program/">Children’s Health Insurance Program</a>.Even if you receive a notice that you’re no longer eligible for Medicaid, it’s likely that your child still qualifies for the program or for health care coverage through CHIP, which covers children whose families make too much money qualify for Medicaid but don’t earn enough to afford private health insurance.Between 80% and 90% percent of children will still be eligible for those programs, according to estimates from the Georgetown University Health Policy Institute’s Center for Children and Families.“When a parent receives a message that they aren’t eligible anymore, they often assume their child is no longer eligible either,” said Joan Alker, the center’s executive director. “It’s more common to find that the parent is no longer eligible for Medicaid, but the child still is.”___

Millions who rely on Medicaid may be booted from program

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration moved Friday to require patients see a doctor in person before getting attention deficit disorder medication or addictive painkillers, toughening access to the drugs against the backdrop of a deepening opioid crisis.

The proposal could overhaul the way millions of Americans get some prescriptions after three years of relying on telehealth for doctor’s appointments by computer or phone during the pandemic.

The Drug Enforcement Administration said late Friday it plans to reinstate once longstanding federal requirements for powerful drugs that were waived once COVID-19 hit, enabling doctors to write millions of prescriptions for drugs such as OxyContin or Adderall without ever meeting patients in person.

Patients will need to see a doctor in person at least once to get an initial prescription for drugs that the federal government says have the the most potential to be abused — Vicodin, OxyContin, Adderall and Ritalin, for example. Refills could be prescribed over telehealth appointments.

The agency will also clamp down on how doctors can prescribe other, less addictive drugs to patients they've never physically met. Substances like codeine, taken to alleviate pain or coughing, Xanax, used to treat anxiety, Ambien, a sleep aid, and buprenorphine, a narcotic used to treat opioid addiction, can be prescribed over telehealth for an initial 30-day dose. Patients would need to see a doctor at least once in person to get a refill.

Patients will still be able to get common prescriptions like antibiotics, skin creams, birth control and insulin prescribed through telehealth visits.

The new rule seeks to keep expanded access to telehealth that's important for patients like those in rural areas while also balancing safety, an approach DEA Administrator Anne Milgram referred to as “expansion of telemedicine with guardrails.”

The ease with each Americans have accessed certain medications during the pandemic has helped many get needed treatment, but concerns have also mounted that some companies may take advantage of the lax rules and be overprescribing medications to people who don’t need them, said David Herzberg, a historian of drugs at the University of Buffalo.

“Both sides of this tension have really good points,” said Herzberg. “You don’t want barriers in the way of getting people prescriptions they need. But anytime you remove those barriers it’s also an opportunity for profit seekers to exploit the lax rules and sell the medicines to people who may not need them.”

U.S. overdose deaths hit a record in 2021, about three-quarters of those from opioids during a crisis that was first spun into the making by drug makers, pharmacies and doctors that pushed the drugs to patients decades ago. But the grim toll from synthetic opioids like fentanyl far outstripped deaths related to prescription drugs that year, according to Centers for Disease Control Data. Fentanyl is increasingly appearing on the illicit market, pressed into fake prescription pills or mixed into other drugs.

The proposed rules deliver a major blow to a booming telehealth industry, with tech startups launching in recent years to treat and prescribe medications for mental health or attention deficit disorders. The industry has largely benefitted from the reprieve on in-person visits for drugs brought on by the pandemic, although some national retailers stopped filling drug orders generated by some telehealth apps over the last year.

The DEA has grown increasingly concerned over the last two years that some of those startup telehealth companies are improperly prescribing addictive substances like opioids or attention deficit disorder medication, putting patients in danger, a DEA official told The Associated Press on Friday.

The official said the agency plans to have the new rule in place before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-united-states-government-district-of-columbia-covid-public-health-2a80b547f6d55706a6986debc343b9fe">the COVID-19 public health emergency expires</a>&nbsp;on May 11, which will effectively end the loosened rules. That could mean people who may seeking treatment from a doctor who is hundreds of miles away need to start developing plans for in-person visits with their doctors now, pointed out Boston-based attorney Jeremy Sherer, who represents telehealth companies. Patients will have six months to visit their doctor in person when the regulation is enacted.

“Providers and their patients need to know what that treatment is going to look like moving forward and whether, once the public health emergency ends in May, if they’re going to need to figure out a way to have a visit in person before continuing treatment, and that can be a real challenge," he said.

Many states have already moved to restore limitations for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-business-covid-cancer-56deaf3a9ff108775dc36e3bd767175e">telehealth care across state lines</a>. By October, nearly 40 states and Washington, D.C., had ended emergency declarations that made it easier for doctors to see patients in other states.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration moved Friday to require patients see a doctor in person before getting attention deficit disorder medication or addictive painkillers, toughening access to the drugs against the backdrop of a deepening opioid crisis.The proposal could overhaul the way millions of Americans get some prescriptions after three years of relying on telehealth for doctor’s appointments by computer or phone during the pandemic.The Drug Enforcement Administration said late Friday it plans to reinstate once longstanding federal requirements for powerful drugs that were waived once COVID-19 hit, enabling doctors to write millions of prescriptions for drugs such as OxyContin or Adderall without ever meeting patients in person.Patients will need to see a doctor in person at least once to get an initial prescription for drugs that the federal government says have the the most potential to be abused — Vicodin, OxyContin, Adderall and Ritalin, for example. Refills could be prescribed over telehealth appointments.The agency will also clamp down on how doctors can prescribe other, less addictive drugs to patients they've never physically met. Substances like codeine, taken to alleviate pain or coughing, Xanax, used to treat anxiety, Ambien, a sleep aid, and buprenorphine, a narcotic used to treat opioid addiction, can be prescribed over telehealth for an initial 30-day dose. Patients would need to see a doctor at least once in person to get a refill.Patients will still be able to get common prescriptions like antibiotics, skin creams, birth control and insulin prescribed through telehealth visits.The new rule seeks to keep expanded access to telehealth that's important for patients like those in rural areas while also balancing safety, an approach DEA Administrator Anne Milgram referred to as “expansion of telemedicine with guardrails.”The ease with each Americans have accessed certain medications during the pandemic has helped many get needed treatment, but concerns have also mounted that some companies may take advantage of the lax rules and be overprescribing medications to people who don’t need them, said David Herzberg, a historian of drugs at the University of Buffalo.“Both sides of this tension have really good points,” said Herzberg. “You don’t want barriers in the way of getting people prescriptions they need. But anytime you remove those barriers it’s also an opportunity for profit seekers to exploit the lax rules and sell the medicines to people who may not need them.”U.S. overdose deaths hit a record in 2021, about three-quarters of those from opioids during a crisis that was first spun into the making by drug makers, pharmacies and doctors that pushed the drugs to patients decades ago. But the grim toll from synthetic opioids like fentanyl far outstripped deaths related to prescription drugs that year, according to Centers for Disease Control Data. Fentanyl is increasingly appearing on the illicit market, pressed into fake prescription pills or mixed into other drugs.The proposed rules deliver a major blow to a booming telehealth industry, with tech startups launching in recent years to treat and prescribe medications for mental health or attention deficit disorders. The industry has largely benefitted from the reprieve on in-person visits for drugs brought on by the pandemic, although some national retailers stopped filling drug orders generated by some telehealth apps over the last year.The DEA has grown increasingly concerned over the last two years that some of those startup telehealth companies are improperly prescribing addictive substances like opioids or attention deficit disorder medication, putting patients in danger, a DEA official told The Associated Press on Friday.The official said the agency plans to have the new rule in place before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-united-states-government-district-of-columbia-covid-public-health-2a80b547f6d55706a6986debc343b9fe">the COVID-19 public health emergency expires</a>&nbsp;on May 11, which will effectively end the loosened rules. That could mean people who may seeking treatment from a doctor who is hundreds of miles away need to start developing plans for in-person visits with their doctors now, pointed out Boston-based attorney Jeremy Sherer, who represents telehealth companies. Patients will have six months to visit their doctor in person when the regulation is enacted.“Providers and their patients need to know what that treatment is going to look like moving forward and whether, once the public health emergency ends in May, if they’re going to need to figure out a way to have a visit in person before continuing treatment, and that can be a real challenge," he said.Many states have already moved to restore limitations for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-business-covid-cancer-56deaf3a9ff108775dc36e3bd767175e">telehealth care across state lines</a>. By October, nearly 40 states and Washington, D.C., had ended emergency declarations that made it easier for doctors to see patients in other states.

Feds seek to limit telehealth prescriptions for some drugs

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — U.S. first lady Jill Biden gave one of the clearest indications yet that President Joe Biden will run for a second term, telling The Associated Press in an exclusive interview on Friday that there's “pretty much” nothing left to do but figure out the time and place for the announcement.

Although Biden has long said that it's his intention to seek reelection, he has yet to make it official, and he's struggled to dispel questions about whether he's too old to continue serving as president. Biden would be 86 at the end of a second term.

“How many times does he have to say it for you to believe it?” the first lady said in Nairobi, the second and final stop of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-droughts-united-states-government-jill-066f51bc0043efb57b6584ad9503e629">her five-day trip to Africa.</a>

She added, “He says he’s not done. He’s not finished what he’s started. And that’s what’s important.”

Granddaughter Naomi Biden, who is on the trip, cheered the first lady's comments after the interview.

“Preach nana,” she said on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NaomiBiden/status/1629190339327041536">Twitter.</a>

The president himself was asked about his wife's comments just hours later in an interview with ABC News, and laughed when told of her remarks, adding, "God love her. Look, I meant what I said, I’ve got other things to finish before I get into a full-blown campaign.”

Biden aides have said an announcement is likely to come in April, after the first fundraising quarter ends, which is around the time that President Barack Obama officially launched his reelection campaign.

The first lady has long been described as a key figure in Biden's orbit as he plans his future.

She brushed off the question about whether she has the deciding vote on whether the president runs for reelection.

“Of course he'll listen to me, because we're a married couple," she said. But, she added later, “he makes up his own mind, believe me.”

The wide-ranging interview took place on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-one-year-index-dc5ee4b342ce80742c471e19258a2046?utm_source=homepage&amp;utm_medium=RelatedStories&amp;utm_campaign=position_01">the anniversary</a>&nbsp;of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and Jill Biden recalled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-jill-biden-migration-slovakia-d22b406bd735c1899a55ba656cbbc317">her trip into the country last May</a>&nbsp;to meet the besieged country's first lady, Olena Zelenska.

They visited a school that was being used to help migrants who fled the fighting. Some of the families, Jill Biden said, had hid underground for weeks before making their escape.

“We thought then, how long can this go on? And here we are, a year later,” she said. “And look at what the Ukrainian people have done. I mean, they are so strong and resilient, and they are fighting for their country.”

“We're all hoping that this war is over soon, because we see, every day, the damage, the violence, the horror on our televisions,” the first lady added. “And we just can't believe it.”

Jill Biden also spoke extensively for the first time about her skin cancer diagnosis, which led doctors to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-maryland-mexico-city-surgery-545cac7c3ddca1f095e84383fdf8cd2d">remove multiple basal cell lesions</a>&nbsp;in January.

“I thought, oh, it’s just something on my eye, you know," she said. "But then they said, no, we think it’s basal cell.”

Then doctors checked her chest, she said, and they said “that's definitely basal cell."

“So I’m lucky,” the first lady said. "Believe me, I am so lucky that they caught it, they removed it, and I’m healthy.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-cancer-skin-brain-5a441b53e825895d029d0255c10816d3">Raising awareness about cancer screening</a>&nbsp;has been a cornerstone of her advocacy efforts for years, even before her son, Beau, died from a brain tumor almost a decade ago. She often says the worst three words anyone can hear are “you have cancer.”

When it was her turn to hear a doctor say that, Jill Biden said, “it was a little harder than I thought.”

Now, she said, she's “extra careful” about sunscreen, especially when she's at the beach, which she described as "one of my favorite places in the world."

Jill Biden is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-jill-biden-6a025ecc48cd6efed9c99ce578fb7fb4">the only first lady to continue her career</a>&nbsp;in addition to her ceremonial duties, teaching writing and English to community college students. At 71 years old, she said she's not ready to think about retirement.

“I know that I will know when it’s enough," she said. "But it’s not yet.”

She said she left detailed lesson plans for a substitute teacher while she was on her trip, and she's been texting with students as she was traveling. She plans to be back in the classroom at 8 a.m. on Tuesday morning, after arriving home from Africa around 3 a.m. Monday.

Education has been a flashpoint in American politics, especially with conservative activists and politicians trying to limit discussion of race and sexuality in classrooms.

“I don't believe in banning books,” she said.

She added: “I think the teachers and the parents can work together and decide what the kids should be taught.”

During the interview, Jill Biden reflected on the legacy of former President Jimmy Carter,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-government-gerald-ford-ronald-reagan-hospice-care-f4e26c10a7b366f14e62f690da403b0a">who recently began home hospice care.</a>&nbsp;The Carter Center, which the former president founded after leaving the White House, was key in helping to eliminate the Guinea worm parasite in African countries.

“That's the perfect example,” she said. “He's such a humble man. He didn't go out and shout, 'Look what I've done.' He just did the work.”

Jill Biden recalled Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, reaching out on the eve of Joe Biden's inauguration two years ago.

“They called and said congratulations," she said. "And it meant so much to me and to Joe.”

She also talked about visiting the Carters at their home in Plains, Georgia, early in Biden's presidency.

"It’s not just that here are two presidents. It’s here are two friends," she said. "Actually four friends, who have really supported one another over the years.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677113898453.png" alt="The president himself was asked about his wife's comments just hours later in an interview with ABC News, and laughed when told of her remarks, adding, "God love her. Look, I meant what I said, I’ve got other things to finish before I get into a full-blown campaign.”-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>The president himself was asked about his wife's comments just hours later in an interview with ABC News, and laughed when told of her remarks, adding, "God love her. Look, I meant what I said, I’ve got other things to finish before I get into a full-blown campaign.”-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By DARLENE SUPERVILLE&nbsp;NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — U.S. first lady Jill Biden gave one of the clearest indications yet that President Joe Biden will run for a second term, telling The Associated Press in an exclusive interview on Friday that there's “pretty much” nothing left to do but figure out the time and place for the announcement.Although Biden has long said that it's his intention to seek reelection, he has yet to make it official, and he's struggled to dispel questions about whether he's too old to continue serving as president. Biden would be 86 at the end of a second term.“How many times does he have to say it for you to believe it?” the first lady said in Nairobi, the second and final stop of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-droughts-united-states-government-jill-066f51bc0043efb57b6584ad9503e629">her five-day trip to Africa.</a>She added, “He says he’s not done. He’s not finished what he’s started. And that’s what’s important.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Preach nana <a href="https://t.co/dIHeD1XH8d">https://t.co/dIHeD1XH8d</a>&mdash; Naomi Biden (@NaomiBiden) <a href="https://twitter.com/NaomiBiden/status/1629190339327041536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Granddaughter Naomi Biden, who is on the trip, cheered the first lady's comments after the interview.“Preach nana,” she said on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NaomiBiden/status/1629190339327041536">Twitter.</a>The president himself was asked about his wife's comments just hours later in an interview with ABC News, and laughed when told of her remarks, adding, "God love her. Look, I meant what I said, I’ve got other things to finish before I get into a full-blown campaign.”Biden aides have said an announcement is likely to come in April, after the first fundraising quarter ends, which is around the time that President Barack Obama officially launched his reelection campaign.The first lady has long been described as a key figure in Biden's orbit as he plans his future.“Because I'm his wife,” she laughed.She brushed off the question about whether she has the deciding vote on whether the president runs for reelection.“Of course he'll listen to me, because we're a married couple," she said. But, she added later, “he makes up his own mind, believe me.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">To all the people I met in Namibia — I leave inspired by your determination and optimism. Your light illuminates a brighter world for us all. 💕 <a href="https://t.co/PnM2i37tQw">pic.twitter.com/PnM2i37tQw</a>&mdash; Jill Biden (@FLOTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS/status/1629124798612664321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The wide-ranging interview took place on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-one-year-index-dc5ee4b342ce80742c471e19258a2046?utm_source=homepage&amp;utm_medium=RelatedStories&amp;utm_campaign=position_01">the anniversary</a>&nbsp;of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and Jill Biden recalled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-jill-biden-migration-slovakia-d22b406bd735c1899a55ba656cbbc317">her trip into the country last May</a>&nbsp;to meet the besieged country's first lady, Olena Zelenska.They visited a school that was being used to help migrants who fled the fighting. Some of the families, Jill Biden said, had hid underground for weeks before making their escape.“We thought then, how long can this go on? And here we are, a year later,” she said. “And look at what the Ukrainian people have done. I mean, they are so strong and resilient, and they are fighting for their country.”“We're all hoping that this war is over soon, because we see, every day, the damage, the violence, the horror on our televisions,” the first lady added. “And we just can't believe it.”Jill Biden also spoke extensively for the first time about her skin cancer diagnosis, which led doctors to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-maryland-mexico-city-surgery-545cac7c3ddca1f095e84383fdf8cd2d">remove multiple basal cell lesions</a>&nbsp;in January.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673893202587.png" alt="A lesion that doctors had found above her right eye during a routine screening late last year was removed on mid January and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-maryland-mexico-city-surgery-545cac7c3ddca1f095e84383fdf8cd2d">confirmed to be basal cell carcinoma</a>&nbsp;— a highly treatable form of skin cancer.-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>A lesion that doctors had found above her right eye during a routine screening late last year was removed on mid January and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-maryland-mexico-city-surgery-545cac7c3ddca1f095e84383fdf8cd2d">confirmed to be basal cell carcinoma</a>&nbsp;— a highly treatable form of skin cancer.-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>“I thought, oh, it’s just something on my eye, you know," she said. "But then they said, no, we think it’s basal cell.”Then doctors checked her chest, she said, and they said “that's definitely basal cell."“So I’m lucky,” the first lady said. "Believe me, I am so lucky that they caught it, they removed it, and I’m healthy.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-cancer-skin-brain-5a441b53e825895d029d0255c10816d3">Raising awareness about cancer screening</a>&nbsp;has been a cornerstone of her advocacy efforts for years, even before her son, Beau, died from a brain tumor almost a decade ago. She often says the worst three words anyone can hear are “you have cancer.”When it was her turn to hear a doctor say that, Jill Biden said, “it was a little harder than I thought.”Now, she said, she's “extra careful” about sunscreen, especially when she's at the beach, which she described as "one of my favorite places in the world."Jill Biden is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-jill-biden-6a025ecc48cd6efed9c99ce578fb7fb4">the only first lady to continue her career</a>&nbsp;in addition to her ceremonial duties, teaching writing and English to community college students. At 71 years old, she said she's not ready to think about retirement.“I know that I will know when it’s enough," she said. "But it’s not yet.”She said she left detailed lesson plans for a substitute teacher while she was on her trip, and she's been texting with students as she was traveling. She plans to be back in the classroom at 8 a.m. on Tuesday morning, after arriving home from Africa around 3 a.m. Monday.Education has been a flashpoint in American politics, especially with conservative activists and politicians trying to limit discussion of race and sexuality in classrooms.“I don't believe in banning books,” she said.She added: “I think the teachers and the parents can work together and decide what the kids should be taught.”During the interview, Jill Biden reflected on the legacy of former President Jimmy Carter,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-government-gerald-ford-ronald-reagan-hospice-care-f4e26c10a7b366f14e62f690da403b0a">who recently began home hospice care.</a>&nbsp;The Carter Center, which the former president founded after leaving the White House, was key in helping to eliminate the Guinea worm parasite in African countries.“That's the perfect example,” she said. “He's such a humble man. He didn't go out and shout, 'Look what I've done.' He just did the work.”Jill Biden recalled Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, reaching out on the eve of Joe Biden's inauguration two years ago.“They called and said congratulations," she said. "And it meant so much to me and to Joe.”She also talked about visiting the Carters at their home in Plains, Georgia, early in Biden's presidency."It’s not just that here are two presidents. It’s here are two friends," she said. "Actually four friends, who have really supported one another over the years.”______

 First lady says President Biden ready to run for second term

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/02/23/installation-of-solar-panels-gets-lincoln-condo-owner-in-hot-water/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Concerned about the environment, in part after studying 
Pope Francis’ encyclical that climate change is real and that we must 
care for our “common home,” Rosalind Carr took action.

In October, Carr had 14 solar panels installed on the roof of her 
townhouse in the Cape Charles Square neighborhood of south Lincoln.

It wasn’t to save money, the retiree said, but “to do something good.”

The reaction, however, wasn’t that good from some neighbors and the homeowners’ association that governs the neighborhood.

The Cape Charles Square Homeowners Association ordered Carr to remove
 the solar panels, or the association would do it for her, because she 
hadn’t gained permission from the HOA board, as required in the local 
covenants, to install them.

The ruckus over the rooftop installation is just the latest 
nationwide over solar panels and HOA rules and helped prompt a state 
senator from Lincoln to introduce a bill this year that would block HOAs
 from banning solar installations.

Several states, including Colorado and Iowa, have passed “solar 
rights” laws. Iowa’s law allows for “solar access easements” for 
sunlight to such installations and permits local municipalities to enact
 ordinances that prohibit HOAs from blocking rooftop solar panels.

Sen. George Dungan said that the need for renewable, green energy 
continues to grow and that local covenants should not block the 
installation of solar panels, as long as they comply with local zoning 
ordinances and laws.

He said his<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/Intro/LB49.pdf"> Legislative Bill 49</a> isn’t patterned after another state’s law but is designed to encourage solar installations in Nebraska.

“It’s a small change for a big gain,” he said.

Several supporters of LB 49 testified Thursday before the 
Legislature’s Judiciary Committee. They told senators that solar energy 
is not only good for the environment but also would reduce the need for 
additional electric transmission lines as well as the use of fossil 
fuels to generate power.

It’s also an issue of personal property rights, they said.

But opponents of the measure said LB 49 goes too far.

Justin Brady, a lobbyist for the Nebraska Realtors Association and 
homebuilders groups in Omaha and Lincoln, said that people buy homes 
based on the “private” covenants imposed in a neighborhood and that the 
state should not interfere.

Rick McDonald of the Metropolitan Omaha Property Owners Association 
said that the bill, as originally written, would give tenants the right 
to install solar panels on rental properties — installations that can 
damage the property.

But Dungan, in his opening statement, said the intent of LB 49 was 
not to affect landlords and rental properties but to block HOAs from 
passing rules banning solar panels in neighborhoods.

Concerns were also expressed about a clause in LB 49 that would allow
 cites or counties to pass rules to provide a “solar access permit” to a
 landowner so that trees or buildings don’t block “direct sunlight” to 
the panels.

Opponents said creating such a “right to direct sunlight” was 
unconstitutional and could cause removal of trees that reduce air 
conditioning costs and provide other benefits. Even one supporter of LB 
49 questioned the wisdom of removing trees.

Dungan said his intent is not to cause trees to be cut down but to 
allow local municipalities, if they wish, to issue solar access permits.

The Judiciary Committee took no action on LB 49 after the hearing. The bill received 20 letters of support and 49 in opposition.

Meanwhile, down in south Lincoln, Carr said she has agreed to remove 
the solar panels from her roof rather than force the HOA to spend money 
in court defending its covenants.

She said it was her fault that she didn’t get permission first. Carr 
said she had her application to install the solar panels ready for an 
HOA board meeting but then her contractors asked to show up several days
 early.

“I totally spun it off,” Carr said. “My fault.”

But, she said, she’s been disappointed by some neighbors’ negative 
reaction to the solar panels, which hug her condo’s roof and are only 
visible from the south side of the building.

“It’s like I put up a sign that I was selling sex,” Carr said of the “vitriol” from a small group of neighbors.

Ironically, the local HOA had passed some “guidelines” a month before
 she installed her solar panels that allowed them as long as the panels 
were not visible from the street. Carr said she was unaware of the 
guidelines until after she installed her solar panels and that an offer 
to move her installation was rejected by the HOA’s attorney.

She said it will cost about $3,500 to remove the panels, when weather
 permits. Carr plans to donate them to Habitat for Humanity.

LB 49 is designed to help resolve future conflicts between HOAs and 
homeowners wishing to install solar panels, and Carr said she hope it 
passes. If that happens, she may rejoin the movement to solar energy.

“I will tell you, I may just put them up again,” Carr said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677252334517.png" alt="Solar panels, installed on the roof of her south Lincoln condominium, got Rosalind Carr in hot water with her homeowners association. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Solar panels, installed on the roof of her south Lincoln condominium, got Rosalind Carr in hot water with her homeowners association. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/02/23/installation-of-solar-panels-gets-lincoln-condo-owner-in-hot-water/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Concerned about the environment, in part after studying 
Pope Francis’ encyclical that climate change is real and that we must 
care for our “common home,” Rosalind Carr took action.In October, Carr had 14 solar panels installed on the roof of her 
townhouse in the Cape Charles Square neighborhood of south Lincoln.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677252387756.jpeg" alt="Rosalind Carr (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Rosalind Carr (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>It wasn’t to save money, the retiree said, but “to do something good.”The reaction, however, wasn’t that good from some neighbors and the homeowners’ association that governs the neighborhood.The Cape Charles Square Homeowners Association ordered Carr to remove
 the solar panels, or the association would do it for her, because she 
hadn’t gained permission from the HOA board, as required in the local 
covenants, to install them.The ruckus over the rooftop installation is just the latest 
nationwide over solar panels and HOA rules and helped prompt a state 
senator from Lincoln to introduce a bill this year that would block HOAs
 from banning solar installations.<h2>‘Solar rights’ laws</h2>Several states, including Colorado and Iowa, have passed “solar 
rights” laws. Iowa’s law allows for “solar access easements” for 
sunlight to such installations and permits local municipalities to enact
 ordinances that prohibit HOAs from blocking rooftop solar panels.Sen. George Dungan said that the need for renewable, green energy 
continues to grow and that local covenants should not block the 
installation of solar panels, as long as they comply with local zoning 
ordinances and laws.He said his<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/108/PDF/Intro/LB49.pdf"> Legislative Bill 49</a> isn’t patterned after another state’s law but is designed to encourage solar installations in Nebraska.“It’s a small change for a big gain,” he said.Several supporters of LB 49 testified Thursday before the 
Legislature’s Judiciary Committee. They told senators that solar energy 
is not only good for the environment but also would reduce the need for 
additional electric transmission lines as well as the use of fossil 
fuels to generate power.<h2>Personal property rights</h2>It’s also an issue of personal property rights, they said.But opponents of the measure said LB 49 goes too far.Justin Brady, a lobbyist for the Nebraska Realtors Association and 
homebuilders groups in Omaha and Lincoln, said that people buy homes 
based on the “private” covenants imposed in a neighborhood and that the 
state should not interfere.Rick McDonald of the Metropolitan Omaha Property Owners Association 
said that the bill, as originally written, would give tenants the right 
to install solar panels on rental properties — installations that can 
damage the property.But Dungan, in his opening statement, said the intent of LB 49 was 
not to affect landlords and rental properties but to block HOAs from 
passing rules banning solar panels in neighborhoods.Concerns were also expressed about a clause in LB 49 that would allow
 cites or counties to pass rules to provide a “solar access permit” to a
 landowner so that trees or buildings don’t block “direct sunlight” to 
the panels.Opponents said creating such a “right to direct sunlight” was 
unconstitutional and could cause removal of trees that reduce air 
conditioning costs and provide other benefits. Even one supporter of LB 
49 questioned the wisdom of removing trees.Dungan said his intent is not to cause trees to be cut down but to 
allow local municipalities, if they wish, to issue solar access permits.The Judiciary Committee took no action on LB 49 after the hearing. The bill received 20 letters of support and 49 in opposition.<h2>‘Vitriol’ from some neighbors</h2>Meanwhile, down in south Lincoln, Carr said she has agreed to remove 
the solar panels from her roof rather than force the HOA to spend money 
in court defending its covenants.She said it was her fault that she didn’t get permission first. Carr 
said she had her application to install the solar panels ready for an 
HOA board meeting but then her contractors asked to show up several days
 early.“I totally spun it off,” Carr said. “My fault.”But, she said, she’s been disappointed by some neighbors’ negative 
reaction to the solar panels, which hug her condo’s roof and are only 
visible from the south side of the building.“It’s like I put up a sign that I was selling sex,” Carr said of the “vitriol” from a small group of neighbors.Ironically, the local HOA had passed some “guidelines” a month before
 she installed her solar panels that allowed them as long as the panels 
were not visible from the street. Carr said she was unaware of the 
guidelines until after she installed her solar panels and that an offer 
to move her installation was rejected by the HOA’s attorney.She said it will cost about $3,500 to remove the panels, when weather
 permits. Carr plans to donate them to Habitat for Humanity.LB 49 is designed to help resolve future conflicts between HOAs and 
homeowners wishing to install solar panels, and Carr said she hope it 
passes. If that happens, she may rejoin the movement to solar energy.“I will tell you, I may just put them up again,” Carr said.

Installation of solar panels gets Neb. condo owner in hot water

By ZACH WENDLING <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/02/24/nebraskans-reflect-on-support-for-ukraine-one-year-after-russian-invasion/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Nurse Kathleen “Nene” 
DeRoos-Nolan watches a live feed on a Telegram channel of a Ukrainian 
soldier trudging along in the snow and later sleeping in a place that 
isn’t heated.

It’s a sight different from the 
refugees she saw in person at a camp in Warsaw during the past year, 
where she provided aid and support to Ukrainians who had fled their 
country.

“I see their faces as I go to sleep 
at night and pray they are safe, along with their mothers and fathers, 
uncles and grandfathers who were left behind in Ukraine,” DeRoos-Nolan 
said.&nbsp;

A nurse, a decorated military veteran
 and state senator and everyday Nebraskans from Elmwood to Chadron are 
among those who offered a hand to Ukraine and its people in the year 
after Russia — a country about 28 times Ukraine’s size — invaded on Feb.
 24, 2022.

Noah Philson of Elmwood, who was in 
Ukraine on the day Russia invaded, said Americans’ response to Ukraine 
has been similar to that of community members coming together with help 
and support after someone has had a house fire.

“It may not seem like it’s doing a lot, and you may think that it’s not important, but it makes a big difference,” Philson said.

Philson said he had gone to Ukraine multiple times before 2022. He 
has, for example, spent the beginning of the year there for the past six
 years.

Previously, Philson had helped with 
English Bible camps and stayed longer last year to try to get a ministry
 started. He had time to leave the country before Russia’s invasion, but
 instead he stayed and offered aid to people in need across Poland, 
Germany, Romania and Ukraine.

“I did a lot of, like, driving to the border to pick up Ukrainians and things like that,” Philson said.

The Elmwood native also did a 
humanitarian run last June, circling between Uzhgorod in the southwest 
to Irpin in the northwest, near Kyiv, and back to Uzhgorod.

Rocket attacks at the beginning of 
the war were a constant threat and worry, Philson explained, but soon, 
when the air defense alarms went off, it became “normal.”

“The way I think of things is kind of messed up now because just 
rocket attacks and air alarms and things like that, it just happens,” he
 added. “It doesn’t bother me.”

Later on, Philson showed State Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon around the 
country’s destruction. The pair had at least three brushes with death 
during their travels.

Brewer has previously described how a
 missile landed only a few yards from his group while leaving 
Zaporizhzhia, but it, fortunately, turned out to be a dud.

Given how Ukrainians are suffering, Philson said, U.S. support is necessary.

“There are Ukrainians all around the world, even here locally, that are struggling with laws and getting support,” Philson said.

Nurse DeRoos-Nolan <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/05/14/nebraskans-help-ukrainian-refugees-find-safety-comfort-in-warsaw-hotel/">volunteered</a> with <a target="_blank" href="https://operationsafeharborukraine.com/">Operation Safe Harbor Ukraine</a>,
 a nonprofit created by former Husker and Executive Travel CEO Steve 
Glenn. She said her experience in Poland “profoundly changed” her life.

In addition to providing a greater 
appreciation for common human needs — love, food, security, connection —
 DeRoos-Nolan said she is in the process of sponsoring a 26-year-old 
refugee who is now seeking asylum in Dublin.

“I always look at life when the doors
 open for us to walk through that we check out as much as we can, to be 
open to what’s available for us to help our fellow man,” she said. “And I
 think that happens every day in our own lives.”

DeRoos-Nolan shared multiple stories 
of her time in Warsaw. A couple of days into her stay in Poland, she 
said, a mother and her young son knocked at her hotel door at 3 in the 
morning.

The boy had a fever and an earache, and DeRoos-Nolan said she suspected he had an ear infection and bronchitis.&nbsp;

But when she and the family got to the nearby clinic, there was a 
hiccup in care because the family’s paperwork didn’t indicate they had 
crossed the border from Ukraine.

They were right there and had clearly crossed the border, 
DeRoos-Nolan said, and she pushed the medical team until the mother and 
son could be treated.

“I think we all need an advocate when we are vulnerable,” DeRoos-Nolan said.

Her main wish is that more Ukrainian people could find refuge.

“That cheesy phrase we have, 
‘Nebraska, the good life,’ is true, and we need to share that as much as
 we can with as many Ukrainian people as we can to get them over here,” 
DeRoos-Nolan said.

Brewer, a veteran, traveled <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/07/23/brewer-returning-from-ukraine-hoping-to-urge-swifter-transport-of-u-s-aid/">twice</a> to Ukraine last year, the first time over the summer and the second between October and November.

The retired Army colonel and two-time
 Purple Heart recipient from six deployments traveled to every major 
city in Ukraine and journeyed to the front lines of the war.&nbsp;

In visits there and across the country, he <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/07/04/retired-solider-nebraska-state-senator-sees-no-quit-in-ukrainian-forces/">supported Ukrainian soldiers</a>, checked in on humanitarian aid and provided <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/11/01/nebraska-state-senator-returns-to-ukraine-to-deliver-bibles-stove-food-and-a-message-of-support/">portable cookstoves and electronic Bibles</a>.

The Republican state lawmaker, who 
often is at odds with President Joe Biden, praised the 
commander-in-chief for going to Ukraine this week.

“From the feedback I’m getting from 
the commanders in the front lines, that was the biggest morale booster 
they could have ever had, because it was the physical presence of the 
president that said, ‘America is with you and I believe in what you’re 
doing enough to come here in person,’” Brewer said.

Brewer said he hopes Biden can persuade NATO to offer more support as
 the war “could easily bleed into their backyard,” especially with what 
could be a major Russian offensive in line with the anniversary of the 
war.

“I think they should be counting their blessings that it is Ukrainian soldiers dying to draw a line for democracy,” he said.

Brewer and Philson both noted 
Ukraine, an agricultural “breadbasket,” is similar to Nebraska. The 
state could provide grain bins, seeds, tractors, combines, wagons and 
much more, Brewer said, when — not if, he stressed — the country is 
victorious.

“If we can have a liaison into the Ukrainian government somehow so 
that when the time comes that the war is over, and these assets are 
going to be needed, that we can respond to that,” Brewer said.

He plans to return to Ukraine after 
Nebraska’s legislative session ends in June, he said, whether or not the
 war is still going on.&nbsp;

“There’s a mission over there that is, you know, a unique area I can help that maybe just the regular Joe couldn’t,” he said.

Ann Buchman and Roger Wess, both of 
Chadron (which is in Brewer’s legislative district), have conducted 
their outreach at home, providing direct support to Ukrainian refugees 
in their community.

Wess said the community has “really 
stepped up” in terms of financial, housing and other needs. He is 
hosting one Ukrainian family and the community is expecting to help a 
second family that will travel from eastern Ukraine.

Buchman, who is a professor of 
biology at Chadron State College, has taken over some of the refugee 
coordination in Chadron, but she notes it’s a communal effort.

About 60 people in the community have expressed interest in helping, she said.

It has been a “rewarding experience” 
opening Chadron’s doors for support, Buchman said, adding that it hasn’t
 come without frustrations.

Chadron’s remote location in 
northwest Nebraska provides some difficulty in contacting customs and 
immigration officials, and for the Ukrainian family, it’s a difficult 
process to learn English, find jobs or get their documents processed.

“All that’s a little harder out here,
 which I think makes it difficult for us as a rural community to think 
about immigration as a way to try to grow our community and become more 
vibrant because the social services out here are not nearly as developed
 as they are in other places,” Buchman said.

But through it all, Buchman 
emphasized, those who are leaving Ukraine are “very brave,” as many are 
coming to other countries with no possessions.

“To be able to start over again is an incredibly complex and 
difficult thing to do,” she said. “So I think we appreciate having the 
opportunity to welcome them into our community.”

While Ukraine has faced government 
corruption in the past, often because of Russian influence, Philson 
said, he believes that its people have become more patriotic and that 
they have moved away from dependence on Russia.

“I have always said that Ukraine is a
 great country, and it’s going to become even better,” Philson said. “I 
can see Ukraine becoming something like America is in Europe — just a 
beacon in Europe.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677252168692.png" alt="Ukrainians from across Nebraska join with State Sen. Tom Brewer (holding the flag on the right) outside the Nebraska State Capitol in support of LB 199 on Feb. 14, 2023. To Brewer’s left is Noah Philson of Elmwood, who helped Brewer in his travels to Ukraine in 2022. (Courtesy of Noah Philson)" />
 <figcaption>Ukrainians from across Nebraska join with State Sen. Tom Brewer (holding the flag on the right) outside the Nebraska State Capitol in support of LB 199 on Feb. 14, 2023. To Brewer’s left is Noah Philson of Elmwood, who helped Brewer in his travels to Ukraine in 2022. (Courtesy of Noah Philson)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ZACH WENDLING <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/02/24/nebraskans-reflect-on-support-for-ukraine-one-year-after-russian-invasion/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Nurse Kathleen “Nene” 
DeRoos-Nolan watches a live feed on a Telegram channel of a Ukrainian 
soldier trudging along in the snow and later sleeping in a place that 
isn’t heated.It’s a sight different from the 
refugees she saw in person at a camp in Warsaw during the past year, 
where she provided aid and support to Ukrainians who had fled their 
country.“I see their faces as I go to sleep 
at night and pray they are safe, along with their mothers and fathers, 
uncles and grandfathers who were left behind in Ukraine,” DeRoos-Nolan 
said.&nbsp;A nurse, a decorated military veteran
 and state senator and everyday Nebraskans from Elmwood to Chadron are 
among those who offered a hand to Ukraine and its people in the year 
after Russia — a country about 28 times Ukraine’s size — invaded on Feb.
 24, 2022.<h2>Adjusting to a new ‘normal’</h2>Noah Philson of Elmwood, who was in 
Ukraine on the day Russia invaded, said Americans’ response to Ukraine 
has been similar to that of community members coming together with help 
and support after someone has had a house fire.“It may not seem like it’s doing a lot, and you may think that it’s not important, but it makes a big difference,” Philson said.Philson said he had gone to Ukraine multiple times before 2022. He 
has, for example, spent the beginning of the year there for the past six
 years.Previously, Philson had helped with 
English Bible camps and stayed longer last year to try to get a ministry
 started. He had time to leave the country before Russia’s invasion, but
 instead he stayed and offered aid to people in need across Poland, 
Germany, Romania and Ukraine.“I did a lot of, like, driving to the border to pick up Ukrainians and things like that,” Philson said.The Elmwood native also did a 
humanitarian run last June, circling between Uzhgorod in the southwest 
to Irpin in the northwest, near Kyiv, and back to Uzhgorod.Rocket attacks at the beginning of 
the war were a constant threat and worry, Philson explained, but soon, 
when the air defense alarms went off, it became “normal.”“The way I think of things is kind of messed up now because just 
rocket attacks and air alarms and things like that, it just happens,” he
 added. “It doesn’t bother me.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667309211987.png" alt="State Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon in Ukraine. (Courtesy of Tom Brewer)" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon in Ukraine. (Courtesy of Tom Brewer)</figcaption>
 </figure>Later on, Philson showed State Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon around the 
country’s destruction. The pair had at least three brushes with death 
during their travels.Brewer has previously described how a
 missile landed only a few yards from his group while leaving 
Zaporizhzhia, but it, fortunately, turned out to be a dud.Given how Ukrainians are suffering, Philson said, U.S. support is necessary.“There are Ukrainians all around the world, even here locally, that are struggling with laws and getting support,” Philson said.<h2>‘An advocate when we are vulnerable’</h2>Nurse DeRoos-Nolan <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/05/14/nebraskans-help-ukrainian-refugees-find-safety-comfort-in-warsaw-hotel/">volunteered</a> with <a target="_blank" href="https://operationsafeharborukraine.com/">Operation Safe Harbor Ukraine</a>,
 a nonprofit created by former Husker and Executive Travel CEO Steve 
Glenn. She said her experience in Poland “profoundly changed” her life.In addition to providing a greater 
appreciation for common human needs — love, food, security, connection —
 DeRoos-Nolan said she is in the process of sponsoring a 26-year-old 
refugee who is now seeking asylum in Dublin.“I always look at life when the doors
 open for us to walk through that we check out as much as we can, to be 
open to what’s available for us to help our fellow man,” she said. “And I
 think that happens every day in our own lives.”DeRoos-Nolan shared multiple stories 
of her time in Warsaw. A couple of days into her stay in Poland, she 
said, a mother and her young son knocked at her hotel door at 3 in the 
morning.The boy had a fever and an earache, and DeRoos-Nolan said she suspected he had an ear infection and bronchitis.&nbsp;But when she and the family got to the nearby clinic, there was a 
hiccup in care because the family’s paperwork didn’t indicate they had 
crossed the border from Ukraine.They were right there and had clearly crossed the border, 
DeRoos-Nolan said, and she pushed the medical team until the mother and 
son could be treated.“I think we all need an advocate when we are vulnerable,” DeRoos-Nolan said.Her main wish is that more Ukrainian people could find refuge.“That cheesy phrase we have, 
‘Nebraska, the good life,’ is true, and we need to share that as much as
 we can with as many Ukrainian people as we can to get them over here,” 
DeRoos-Nolan said.<h2>‘America is with you’</h2>Brewer, a veteran, traveled <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/07/23/brewer-returning-from-ukraine-hoping-to-urge-swifter-transport-of-u-s-aid/">twice</a> to Ukraine last year, the first time over the summer and the second between October and November.The retired Army colonel and two-time
 Purple Heart recipient from six deployments traveled to every major 
city in Ukraine and journeyed to the front lines of the war.&nbsp;In visits there and across the country, he <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/07/04/retired-solider-nebraska-state-senator-sees-no-quit-in-ukrainian-forces/">supported Ukrainian soldiers</a>, checked in on humanitarian aid and provided <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/11/01/nebraska-state-senator-returns-to-ukraine-to-deliver-bibles-stove-food-and-a-message-of-support/">portable cookstoves and electronic Bibles</a>.The Republican state lawmaker, who 
often is at odds with President Joe Biden, praised the 
commander-in-chief for going to Ukraine this week.“From the feedback I’m getting from 
the commanders in the front lines, that was the biggest morale booster 
they could have ever had, because it was the physical presence of the 
president that said, ‘America is with you and I believe in what you’re 
doing enough to come here in person,’” Brewer said.Brewer said he hopes Biden can persuade NATO to offer more support as
 the war “could easily bleed into their backyard,” especially with what 
could be a major Russian offensive in line with the anniversary of the 
war.“I think they should be counting their blessings that it is Ukrainian soldiers dying to draw a line for democracy,” he said.Brewer and Philson both noted 
Ukraine, an agricultural “breadbasket,” is similar to Nebraska. The 
state could provide grain bins, seeds, tractors, combines, wagons and 
much more, Brewer said, when — not if, he stressed — the country is 
victorious.“If we can have a liaison into the Ukrainian government somehow so 
that when the time comes that the war is over, and these assets are 
going to be needed, that we can respond to that,” Brewer said.He plans to return to Ukraine after 
Nebraska’s legislative session ends in June, he said, whether or not the
 war is still going on.&nbsp;“There’s a mission over there that is, you know, a unique area I can help that maybe just the regular Joe couldn’t,” he said.<h2>Starting a new life in Chadron</h2>Ann Buchman and Roger Wess, both of 
Chadron (which is in Brewer’s legislative district), have conducted 
their outreach at home, providing direct support to Ukrainian refugees 
in their community.Wess said the community has “really 
stepped up” in terms of financial, housing and other needs. He is 
hosting one Ukrainian family and the community is expecting to help a 
second family that will travel from eastern Ukraine.Buchman, who is a professor of 
biology at Chadron State College, has taken over some of the refugee 
coordination in Chadron, but she notes it’s a communal effort.About 60 people in the community have expressed interest in helping, she said.It has been a “rewarding experience” 
opening Chadron’s doors for support, Buchman said, adding that it hasn’t
 come without frustrations.Chadron’s remote location in 
northwest Nebraska provides some difficulty in contacting customs and 
immigration officials, and for the Ukrainian family, it’s a difficult 
process to learn English, find jobs or get their documents processed.“All that’s a little harder out here,
 which I think makes it difficult for us as a rural community to think 
about immigration as a way to try to grow our community and become more 
vibrant because the social services out here are not nearly as developed
 as they are in other places,” Buchman said.But through it all, Buchman 
emphasized, those who are leaving Ukraine are “very brave,” as many are 
coming to other countries with no possessions.“To be able to start over again is an incredibly complex and 
difficult thing to do,” she said. “So I think we appreciate having the 
opportunity to welcome them into our community.”<h2>‘Beacon in Europe’</h2>While Ukraine has faced government 
corruption in the past, often because of Russian influence, Philson 
said, he believes that its people have become more patriotic and that 
they have moved away from dependence on Russia.“I have always said that Ukraine is a
 great country, and it’s going to become even better,” Philson said. “I 
can see Ukraine becoming something like America is in Europe — just a 
beacon in Europe.”

Nebraskans reflect on support for Ukraine one year after Russian invasion

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/02/23/oil-soaked-soil-from-kansas-pipeline-spill-was-sent-to-landfill-near-omaha/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Thousands of cubic yards of oil-soaked soil from a pipeline
 leak in Kansas ended up in a landfill in the Omaha area, and an 
environmental watchdog wants the state to make sure it isn’t 
contaminating anything here.

“This is a foreign corporation that is using Nebraska as a dumping ground,” said Jane Kleeb, the founder of Bold Nebraska.

State officials, she said, should have informed Nebraskans that this 
waste was coming here and should now insist on regular monitoring to 
ensure it is not impacting soil or water here.

The oil-drenched soil contains some 
hazardous chemicals, including benzene and hydrogen sulfide, according 
to lab reports posted on the Nebraska Department of Environmental and 
Energy website.

Officials with both Canada-based TC Energy and the Pheasant Point 
Landfill near Bennington said Thursday that lab tests of the soil, 
trucked from the crude oil leak on the Keystone pipeline&nbsp;in northeast 
Kansas, have deemed it safe to be deposited at the landfill.

Carla Felix, a spokeswoman for the Nebraska Department of Environment
 and Energy, said the department was “confident” the soil qualified as 
“nonhazardous solid waste,” after reviewing lab reports required by the 
Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the EPA.

“Pheasant Point is designed to accept these types of solid wastes, 
and is designed to meet federal and the State of Nebraska regulations 
for landfills,” said Lisa Disbrow of Waste Management, which owns the 
Pheasant Point landfill.

She said the “cells” of the landfill have composite liners of 2 feet 
of compacted clay and a 60-mil (thousands of an inch) sheet of 
polyethylene that protects against contamination of groundwater.

The landfill, which is just north of Nebraska Highway 36 on 216th 
Street, also has monitoring wells to detect problems, Disbrow said.

She said Thursday that 16,500 cubic yards of contaminated soil has so far been trucked from the <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/portion-of-keystone-pipeline-restarted-2600-barrels-of-oil-recovered-at-kansas-spill/">pipeline spill, which occurred on Dec. 7</a> near Washington, Kansas.

The Examiner heard rumors that the soil was coming to Nebraska a month ago but was just recently able to confirm it.

Documents on the NDEE website indicated that TC Energy initially applied Dec. 14 to deposit up to 100,000 tons or&nbsp;75,000 cubic yards of soil at the&nbsp;Rolling Meadows landfill near Topeka, Kansas, which is also operated by Waste Management.

The Nebraska landfill was chosen, according to Disbrow, because it is
 larger and can accept more solid waste. It routinely accepts solid 
waste from outside the state, she added.

If 75,000 cubic yards were sent to the Pheasant Point landfill, it 
would cover a football-field sized area to almost 40 feet deep.

The pipeline leak occurred on a portion of the Keystone pipeline that runs from Steele City, Nebraska, to Cushing, Oklahoma.

Nearly&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/12/09/leak-on-keystone-pipeline-released-more-than-half-a-million-gallons-of-crude-oil/">a half million gallons</a>
 of crude oil, about 13,000 barrels, flowed into Mill Creek, east of 
Washington, Kansas. It is the largest oil spill on the Keystone pipeline
 since it went into service 13 years ago.

Two weeks ago, TC Energy said the leak was caused by <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/keystone-pipeline-owner-blames-kansas-spill-on-faulty-weld-estimates-480m-remediation-cost/">a faulty weld in the steel pipeline.</a> The company estimated the cost of “remediation, investigation and shared learning” at $480 million.

Kleeb, whose group led the opposition to a now-abandoned companion to
 the Keystone pipeline, the Keystone XL, said there is “no way” the soil
 and other materials hauled from the pipeline leak are not hazardous.

Citizens, she said, should have been informed that this waste was 
coming from Kansas and should be made aware of the ongoing monitoring of
 it.

&nbsp;“How many landfills said ‘no’ before ours said yes?” Kleeb asked.

A cleanup order, finalized Jan. 6 with the EPA, said the spill 
significantly affected fish and wildlife and posed a threat to human 
health and the environment. Initially, oil was 10 inches thick for a 
distances of 1.5 miles downstream on Mill Creek, which is adjacent to 
the spill site, the EPA said.

A higher-volume diversion, to guide creek flows around the spill site, is under construction, according to the EPA.

Last week, <a target="_blank" href="https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/51bc4a89563147aea99e95405ae93a91">the agency said</a>&nbsp;a
 new phase in the spill response had begun, focusing on “identifying and
 implementing tactics that address the remaining recoverable oil from 
surface water, ice, debris, sediments, and shorelines.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676492082551.png" alt="Site of the oil spill / EPA photo" />
 <figcaption>Site of the oil spill / EPA photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/02/23/oil-soaked-soil-from-kansas-pipeline-spill-was-sent-to-landfill-near-omaha/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Thousands of cubic yards of oil-soaked soil from a pipeline
 leak in Kansas ended up in a landfill in the Omaha area, and an 
environmental watchdog wants the state to make sure it isn’t 
contaminating anything here.“This is a foreign corporation that is using Nebraska as a dumping ground,” said Jane Kleeb, the founder of Bold Nebraska.State officials, she said, should have informed Nebraskans that this 
waste was coming here and should now insist on regular monitoring to 
ensure it is not impacting soil or water here.The oil-drenched soil contains some 
hazardous chemicals, including benzene and hydrogen sulfide, according 
to lab reports posted on the Nebraska Department of Environmental and 
Energy website.<h2>Lab tests say it’s OK</h2>Officials with both Canada-based TC Energy and the Pheasant Point 
Landfill near Bennington said Thursday that lab tests of the soil, 
trucked from the crude oil leak on the Keystone pipeline&nbsp;in northeast 
Kansas, have deemed it safe to be deposited at the landfill.Carla Felix, a spokeswoman for the Nebraska Department of Environment
 and Energy, said the department was “confident” the soil qualified as 
“nonhazardous solid waste,” after reviewing lab reports required by the 
Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the EPA.“Pheasant Point is designed to accept these types of solid wastes, 
and is designed to meet federal and the State of Nebraska regulations 
for landfills,” said Lisa Disbrow of Waste Management, which owns the 
Pheasant Point landfill.She said the “cells” of the landfill have composite liners of 2 feet 
of compacted clay and a 60-mil (thousands of an inch) sheet of 
polyethylene that protects against contamination of groundwater.<h2>Pipeline ruptured in December</h2>The landfill, which is just north of Nebraska Highway 36 on 216th 
Street, also has monitoring wells to detect problems, Disbrow said.She said Thursday that 16,500 cubic yards of contaminated soil has so far been trucked from the <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/portion-of-keystone-pipeline-restarted-2600-barrels-of-oil-recovered-at-kansas-spill/">pipeline spill, which occurred on Dec. 7</a> near Washington, Kansas.The Examiner heard rumors that the soil was coming to Nebraska a month ago but was just recently able to confirm it.Documents on the NDEE website indicated that TC Energy initially applied Dec. 14 to deposit up to 100,000 tons or&nbsp;75,000 cubic yards of soil at the&nbsp;Rolling Meadows landfill near Topeka, Kansas, which is also operated by Waste Management.The Nebraska landfill was chosen, according to Disbrow, because it is
 larger and can accept more solid waste. It routinely accepts solid 
waste from outside the state, she added.If 75,000 cubic yards were sent to the Pheasant Point landfill, it 
would cover a football-field sized area to almost 40 feet deep.The pipeline leak occurred on a portion of the Keystone pipeline that runs from Steele City, Nebraska, to Cushing, Oklahoma.Nearly&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/12/09/leak-on-keystone-pipeline-released-more-than-half-a-million-gallons-of-crude-oil/">a half million gallons</a>
 of crude oil, about 13,000 barrels, flowed into Mill Creek, east of 
Washington, Kansas. It is the largest oil spill on the Keystone pipeline
 since it went into service 13 years ago.<h2>Faulty weld blamed for spill</h2>Two weeks ago, TC Energy said the leak was caused by <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/keystone-pipeline-owner-blames-kansas-spill-on-faulty-weld-estimates-480m-remediation-cost/">a faulty weld in the steel pipeline.</a> The company estimated the cost of “remediation, investigation and shared learning” at $480 million.Kleeb, whose group led the opposition to a now-abandoned companion to
 the Keystone pipeline, the Keystone XL, said there is “no way” the soil
 and other materials hauled from the pipeline leak are not hazardous.Citizens, she said, should have been informed that this waste was 
coming from Kansas and should be made aware of the ongoing monitoring of
 it.&nbsp;“How many landfills said ‘no’ before ours said yes?” Kleeb asked.A cleanup order, finalized Jan. 6 with the EPA, said the spill 
significantly affected fish and wildlife and posed a threat to human 
health and the environment. Initially, oil was 10 inches thick for a 
distances of 1.5 miles downstream on Mill Creek, which is adjacent to 
the spill site, the EPA said.A higher-volume diversion, to guide creek flows around the spill site, is under construction, according to the EPA.Last week, <a target="_blank" href="https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/51bc4a89563147aea99e95405ae93a91">the agency said</a>&nbsp;a
 new phase in the spill response had begun, focusing on “identifying and
 implementing tactics that address the remaining recoverable oil from 
surface water, ice, debris, sediments, and shorelines.”

Oil-soaked soil from Kansas pipeline spill sent to Neb. landfill 

WASHINGTON —Feb. 24, 2023, marks the first anniversary of Russia's latest invasion of Ukraine that has killed thousands, forced millions of people from their homes, destroyed infrastructure, and upended international norms, world economy and alliances.

Russia's invasion was a test of Ukraine’s commitment to freedom, and a test for America and the world.&nbsp;Putin sought to subjugate Ukraine, but the free people of Ukraine stood strong—bravely defending their sovereignty and democracy. The United States, alongside allies and partners, did not hesitate to stand with them.&nbsp;

Over the last year, the United States has provided critical support to the people of Ukraine, working in close coordination with the government of Ukraine to get them what they need. President Biden has spoken regularly with President Zelenskyy, hosting him at the White House and visiting Kyiv to send powerful messages of the United States’ unwavering support. We have led the world in providing security assistance—from the Javelins that halted the Russian tanks assaulting Kyiv, to the air defense systems that have intercepted Russian strikes against Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, to the armored vehicles that Ukraine needs for the next phase of this conflict. We also stepped up to provide financial and humanitarian assistance—helping Ukrainians maintain access to fundamental services, like healthcare and heat, as they fight for their liberty and sovereignty.

The United States has not acted alone. Since first exposing Russia’s plans to launch this invasion, we ensured that Ukraine’s resilience has been matched with global resolve. We rallied the international community to speak out and stand against Russia’s brutal war, including at the United Nations, where the world has repeatedly and overwhelmingly voted to condemn Russia’s aggression. We have led unprecedented efforts to isolate and impose costs on Russia—including the largest coordinated sanctions and export control actions taken against a major economy. In response to the global economic disruptions caused by the Kremlin, we have launched initiatives that have stabilized energy markets and food supplies. And we supported our partners as they opened their homes and communities to millions of Ukrainians seeking refuge.

One year ago, Putin thought he could quickly topple Ukraine. He thought he could divide our allies and partners. He was wrong. Ukraine still stands. The international coalition in support of Ukraine is stronger and more united than ever. And President Biden’s visit to Kyiv yesterday sent a clear and powerful message to the world: we remain committed to standing with the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes.

According to a statement from the White House, actions the United States has taken to support Ukraine and hold Russia accountable over the last year include:

The&nbsp;United States&nbsp;has disbursed $13 billion in&nbsp;grant financing&nbsp;for&nbsp;budget support&nbsp;for Ukraine&nbsp;—and will soon begin disbursing&nbsp;another&nbsp;$9.9 billion&nbsp;that Congress recently approved — to&nbsp;ensure the Ukrainian government can&nbsp;continue to&nbsp;meet&nbsp;the critical needs of its citizens&nbsp;and provide basic services&nbsp;as it&nbsp;confronts&nbsp;Russia’s&nbsp;continued&nbsp;aggression. Through the World Bank’s Public Expenditures for Administrative Capacity Endurance mechanism, the United States has used it to provide budget support on a reimbursement basis — ensuring funding is disbursed to Ukraine only after expenses have been verified.

In its leadership role in international financial institutions, the United States has also worked closely with the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank Group, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to support Ukraine — including to strengthen energy security, food security, and support for vulnerable populations and internally displaced persons across the country. Together with the G7, we have launched the Multi-agency Donor Coordination Platform for Ukraine, to enhance our coordination of economic support for Ukraine’s immediate financing needs and future economic recovery and reconstruction efforts.

Over the past year, the United States and our allies and partners provided critical security assistance that made a real difference on the battlefield, and helped the people of Ukraine defend their country from Russian attacks and advances.

At the start of the war, the anti-armor and anti-air systems we provided—like the 8,000 Javelin and 1,600 Stingers—enabled Ukraine to win the Battle for Kyiv. The artillery and ammunition we have sent—such as the 160 howitzers and 38 High Mobility Artillery Rocket systems—enhanced Ukraine’s ability to defend its territory in the Donbas region and launch successful counteroffensives in Kharkiv and Kherson, reclaiming hundreds of kilometers of territory and liberating towns and villages subjected to unimaginable Russian brutality. The air defense systems and counter-drone capabilities that we provided help Ukraine protect its people and infrastructure against continued Russian attacks.&nbsp; The armored capabilities we are sending—including 109 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and tanks—will prepare Ukraine for future counteroffensives and help Ukraine adapt to changing conditions on the ground and defend against future Russian assaults.

We have provided more than one million rounds of artillery ammunition; more than 100,000 rounds of 125mm tank ammunition; and 100,000 rounds of small arms ammunition. We have provided helicopters; Unmanned Coastal Defense Vessels, and counter-UAV systems and equipment. And the Departments of Defense and State have released a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.state.gov/u-s-plan-to-counter-illicit-diversion-of-certain-advanced-conventional-weapons-in-eastern-europe/">plan</a>&nbsp;to prevent and counter the potential of illicit diversion of weapons and equipment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676890890511.png" alt="-Monday in Kyiv, President Biden announced a new delivery of critical equipment for Ukraine.This half-billion dollar package includes artillery ammunition, anti-armor systems, and air surveillance radars to help protect the Ukrainian people from aerial bombardments.-photo Associated Press" />
 <figcaption>-Monday in Kyiv, President Biden announced a new delivery of critical equipment for Ukraine.This half-billion dollar package includes artillery ammunition, anti-armor systems, and air surveillance radars to help protect the Ukrainian people from aerial bombardments.-photo Associated Press</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —Feb. 24, 2023, marks the first anniversary of Russia's latest invasion of Ukraine that has killed thousands, forced millions of people from their homes, destroyed infrastructure, and upended international norms, world economy and alliances.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">When Russia attacked Ukraine, America and our Allies stood strong. For sovereignty. For democracy. For freedom. I visited Kyiv to declare we will continue to stand united. No matter what. <a href="https://t.co/FHUXMOHXVp">pic.twitter.com/FHUXMOHXVp</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1628844700026249217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Russia's invasion was a test of Ukraine’s commitment to freedom, and a test for America and the world.&nbsp;Putin sought to subjugate Ukraine, but the free people of Ukraine stood strong—bravely defending their sovereignty and democracy. The United States, alongside allies and partners, did not hesitate to stand with them.&nbsp;Over the last year, the United States has provided critical support to the people of Ukraine, working in close coordination with the government of Ukraine to get them what they need. President Biden has spoken regularly with President Zelenskyy, hosting him at the White House and visiting Kyiv to send powerful messages of the United States’ unwavering support. We have led the world in providing security assistance—from the Javelins that halted the Russian tanks assaulting Kyiv, to the air defense systems that have intercepted Russian strikes against Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, to the armored vehicles that Ukraine needs for the next phase of this conflict. We also stepped up to provide financial and humanitarian assistance—helping Ukrainians maintain access to fundamental services, like healthcare and heat, as they fight for their liberty and sovereignty.The United States has not acted alone. Since first exposing Russia’s plans to launch this invasion, we ensured that Ukraine’s resilience has been matched with global resolve. We rallied the international community to speak out and stand against Russia’s brutal war, including at the United Nations, where the world has repeatedly and overwhelmingly voted to condemn Russia’s aggression. We have led unprecedented efforts to isolate and impose costs on Russia—including the largest coordinated sanctions and export control actions taken against a major economy. In response to the global economic disruptions caused by the Kremlin, we have launched initiatives that have stabilized energy markets and food supplies. And we supported our partners as they opened their homes and communities to millions of Ukrainians seeking refuge.One year ago, Putin thought he could quickly topple Ukraine. He thought he could divide our allies and partners. He was wrong. Ukraine still stands. The international coalition in support of Ukraine is stronger and more united than ever. And President Biden’s visit to Kyiv yesterday sent a clear and powerful message to the world: we remain committed to standing with the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes.According to a statement from the White House, actions the United States has taken to support Ukraine and hold Russia accountable over the last year include:Economic AssistanceThe&nbsp;United States&nbsp;has disbursed $13 billion in&nbsp;grant financing&nbsp;for&nbsp;budget support&nbsp;for Ukraine&nbsp;—and will soon begin disbursing&nbsp;another&nbsp;$9.9 billion&nbsp;that Congress recently approved — to&nbsp;ensure the Ukrainian government can&nbsp;continue to&nbsp;meet&nbsp;the critical needs of its citizens&nbsp;and provide basic services&nbsp;as it&nbsp;confronts&nbsp;Russia’s&nbsp;continued&nbsp;aggression. Through the World Bank’s Public Expenditures for Administrative Capacity Endurance mechanism, the United States has used it to provide budget support on a reimbursement basis — ensuring funding is disbursed to Ukraine only after expenses have been verified.In its leadership role in international financial institutions, the United States has also worked closely with the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank Group, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to support Ukraine — including to strengthen energy security, food security, and support for vulnerable populations and internally displaced persons across the country. Together with the G7, we have launched the Multi-agency Donor Coordination Platform for Ukraine, to enhance our coordination of economic support for Ukraine’s immediate financing needs and future economic recovery and reconstruction efforts.Security Assistance&nbsp;Over the past year, the United States and our allies and partners provided critical security assistance that made a real difference on the battlefield, and helped the people of Ukraine defend their country from Russian attacks and advances.At the start of the war, the anti-armor and anti-air systems we provided—like the 8,000 Javelin and 1,600 Stingers—enabled Ukraine to win the Battle for Kyiv. The artillery and ammunition we have sent—such as the 160 howitzers and 38 High Mobility Artillery Rocket systems—enhanced Ukraine’s ability to defend its territory in the Donbas region and launch successful counteroffensives in Kharkiv and Kherson, reclaiming hundreds of kilometers of territory and liberating towns and villages subjected to unimaginable Russian brutality. The air defense systems and counter-drone capabilities that we provided help Ukraine protect its people and infrastructure against continued Russian attacks.&nbsp; The armored capabilities we are sending—including 109 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and tanks—will prepare Ukraine for future counteroffensives and help Ukraine adapt to changing conditions on the ground and defend against future Russian assaults.We have provided more than one million rounds of artillery ammunition; more than 100,000 rounds of 125mm tank ammunition; and 100,000 rounds of small arms ammunition. We have provided helicopters; Unmanned Coastal Defense Vessels, and counter-UAV systems and equipment. And the Departments of Defense and State have released a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.state.gov/u-s-plan-to-counter-illicit-diversion-of-certain-advanced-conventional-weapons-in-eastern-europe/">plan</a>&nbsp;to prevent and counter the potential of illicit diversion of weapons and equipment.Working with European partners and Ukraine, the United States also launched the Ukraine Defense Contact Group—a coalition of 50 partner nations that has enhanced our coordination of security assistance deliveries to help the people of Ukraine as they continue to defend themselves against Russia’s unjust and unprovoked assault. Together, members of this group already committed $50 billion security assistance, including nearly 700&nbsp;tanks and&nbsp;thousands of&nbsp;other armored vehicles, more than 1000 artillery systems, more than two million rounds of artillery ammunition, more than 50 advanced multiple rocket launch systems, and anti-ship and air defense systems.&nbsp;A comprehensive list of security assistance is available&nbsp;<a href="https://media.defense.gov/2023/Feb/20/2003164184/-1/-1/0/UKRAINE-FACT-SHEET-PDA-32.PDF">here</a>.Humanitarian AssistanceWhen Russia launched its invasion, the United States responded quickly to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine—providing more than $1.9 billion to Ukrainians in need of assistance, including more than 13 million people forced to flee their homes.We brought together partners across the United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations to address Ukrainian’s critical needs—including food, safe drinking water, shelter, and emergency health care. When winter approached and Putin turned his assault to critical infrastructure, a U.S.-led coalition provided supplies to restore emergency power and heat across the country. In addition to welcoming over 267,000 Ukrainians who have been forced to flee their homes to the United States and creating the&nbsp;Uniting for Ukraine&nbsp;program, we have provided $340 million in refugee assistance to our European partners who continue to host millions of Ukrainians, representing the largest population outflow in Europe since World War II.A comprehensive list of humanitarian assistance is available&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usaid.gov/news-information/fact-sheets/feb-2023-one-year-later-helping-ukraine-win-war-and-build-lasting-peace">here</a>.Democracy, Human Rights, and Anti-Corruption AssistanceTo defend human rights in Ukraine and its neighbors, President Biden launched the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/03/24/fact-sheet-the-biden-administration-announces-new-humanitarian-development-and-democracy-assistance-to-ukraine-and-the-surrounding-region/">European Democratic Resilience Initiative (EDRI)</a>&nbsp;in March 2022. Through EDRI, we have provided nearly $220 million for Ukraine to support media freedom and enable Ukrainian media outlets to continue operating during the war,&nbsp;to counter disinformation, increase the safety and security of activists and vulnerable groups, strengthen democratic and anti-corruption institutions, and support accountability for human rights abuses and violations of international law.&nbsp;Holding Russia AccountableJustice and accountability are central pillars of the United States’ policy on Ukraine.&nbsp; Russia chose this war, and the United States and our partners are holding it&nbsp;<a href="https://www.state.gov/supporting-justice-and-accountability-in-ukraine/">accountable</a>&nbsp;for its attacks and atrocities against the people of Ukraine — ensuring that perpetrators, human rights violators, and war criminals are brought to justice.Based on a careful analysis of the law and available facts, the Secretary of State recently determined that members of Russia’s forces and other Russian officials have committed crimes against humanity in Ukraine.&nbsp;&nbsp;Working with partners, we have supported Ukrainian domestic authorities, international efforts, and strategic litigation to ensure that Russia’s crimes do not go unpunished. Along with many of our allies and partners, we imposed new sanctions on those engaged in human rights abuses and exercising illegitimate authority in occupied areas of Ukraine, including proxy authorities, military units, and those involved in the forced deportation of children.The United States has also imposed expansive visa restrictions on members of the Russian military and others committing human rights abuses related to Russia’s war.&nbsp; The United States continues to support a range of international accountability mechanisms—including the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s Moscow Mechanism, and the Joint Investigative Team on Ukraine.&nbsp;Economic Measures Against RussiaThe United States and over 30 allies and partners developed the largest set of sanctions and export control actions ever imposed on a major economy. These actions are disrupting Russia from accessing critical inputs and advanced technologies — undercutting its ability to fund and fight its unjust war.The United States has implemented or expanded more than 2,000 sanctions listings and more than 375 export control Entity Listings, including major state-owned enterprises and third-country actors supporting Russia’s war machine. We imposed sanctions on Russia’s largest financial institutions and imposed increasingly expansive restrictions on military and industrial goods that could support Russia’s defense industrial base. As a result, Russia has been forced to turn to rogue regimes to try to source weapons and equipment because of their inability to make enough parts to resupply Putin’s war at home. Additionally, Congress has revoked Russia’s permanent normal trade relations status — removing Russia’s privileges in international trade and increasing tariffs on hundreds of Russia products imported into the United States.These sanctions and export controls will cut even deeper into Russia’s economy as time progresses. And at the same time, our economic measures have been specifically designed to shield low- and middle-income countries from their impact — including protecting the exports of food, allowing the provision of humanitarian assistance, and carving out agriculture, medicine, and energy payments from our sanctions.Energy Assistance and SecurityWhen Russia attacked Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, trying to use winter as a weapon against the Ukrainian people, the United States and its allies and partners provided energy assistance: restoring power, heating homes, and enabling the people of Ukraine to focus on the defense of their sovereignty.Together with our allies and partners, we provided critical electricity equipment to help Ukraine make emergency repairs to its power system and strengthen the stability of Ukraine’s grid in the face of Russia’s targeted attacks. We also worked with Ukraine to advance its energy transition and build a system decoupled from Russian energy. And we worked to stabilize global energy markets, limit Russia’s revenue, and blunt the impacts of Russia’s war on energy security. Through the U.S.-EU Task Force on Energy Security, we ensured Europe had enough gas for the winter. The United States also released 180 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, ensured international energy payments continue to flow under our sanctions, and implemented a G7+ price cap on seaborne Russian oil and petroleum products.We also took steps to reduce nuclear risks posed by Russia’s reckless actions at and around Ukraine’s nuclear power plants to support energy infrastructure, including through training for emergency responders, radiation sensor monitoring, and the provision of emergency diesel fuel and other nuclear safety supplies.