Elise Stefanik (R-NY) is defending her controversial vote to provide $40 billion in military aid to Ukraine — while Americans continue to reel from inflation and the nation faces historic deficits — telling Breitbart News that she believes the funds will allow Ukraine to defend itself and keep the U.S.

She said she “did not like the process” of how the massive bill was presented and hastily brought to a vote, but that she believes the money going to weapons contractors will refill American stockpiles, allow Ukrainians to fight for themselves, and help avoid the need for America to get involved in the Eastern-European conflict.

I believe that there needs to be robust investment in border security, there needs to be a focus on all of the crises we face, but we also need to make sure that we continue to stand strong against [Russian President] Vladimir Putin, and that we’re supporting our Ukrainian partners,” Stefanik continued.

Stefanik emphasized that she believes the vote indicates support for Ukraine, while avoiding direct involvement by U.S.

In an interview Tuesday with Breitbart News Daily on Sirius XM 125, Stefanik called for “proper oversight” for how the money is spent, and said her priority is that it be used to restock American weapons stockpiles to replace what the U.S.

Army, and I want to make sure that they have all the resources they need, because so much support was provided to Ukraine [in] earlier packages,” Stefanik added.