2023-09-22 00:12:12
The clock has continued to tick in Washington since December and not in favor of the interests of the Ukrainians, who see the injections of billions of dollars from the coffers of the United States to combat the Russian invader in danger.
President Joe Biden welcomed his Ukrainian counterpart and his wife to the White House this Thursday. The couple also made an emotional visit to the Pentagon, their first, where they laid flowers at the memorial for the terrorist attack of 9/11 in 2001. The Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, and the head of the Armed Forces, General Mark Milley , acted as hosts and talked about weapons and military strategies.
Also read Francesc Peirón, María-Paz López
The ultras block another item of 24,000 million from being put to vote to help Kyiv
But far-right Republicans censured his second visit to the Capitol since the start of the war. Kevin McCarthy, president of the Lower House, is trapped by the blackmail of extremists – he surrenders to them or they force his resignation – who refuse to continue supporting Kyiv. They doubt how the money is spent and maintain that it should first be invested on the border with Mexico due to “the invasion of immigrants.”
So McCarthy denied a speech by Zelensky to both legislative bodies. He excused his decision because “this is a very busy week.” He also did not allow the Ukrainian to meet behind closed doors with the congressmen and explain to them why it is important to help his country. Those who wanted to hear his clarifications met with him outside the Capitol.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the US Capitol this Thursday.
Getty Images
Nine months ago, Zelensky was greeted with the red carpet. He was a hero. The then speaker of the Lower House, Nancy Pelosi, summoned the congressmen for an intervention by the guest of honor. Pelosi herself and Vice President Kamala Harris, as president of the Senate, held a Ukrainian flag.
The comedy actor turned wartime president captivated both sides. As if he were still on stage, he achieved public and critical success in his request for help to stop the axis of evil between Russia and Iran. “Your money is not simple charity,” he said. The next day, Congress approved a $45 billion spending bill.
Also read Francesc Peirón
At the White House, Biden announced another batch of 325 million in aid
His return this Thursday to the Capitol had a less warm air. This is demonstrated by McCarthy, who inherited Pelosi’s gavel last January. She met with him, but refused to have the typical greeting video recorded. He gives a bad image to the radicals and knows how they spend their money. That same day, the ultras embarrassed him again by blocking the process to bring the army financing project to a vote in the chamber. “It’s frustrating, it seems like they want to burn everything,” he confessed sadly.
McCarthy spoke with Zelensky, expressed his support for Ukraine and said he was willing to review the 24 billion aid package, but clarified that Biden must address the problem of the border with Mexico before filling Kyiv’s coffers. To avoid another blush, this 24 billion package has no intention of being put to a vote. Republicans are considering cutting funds from this military financing project to please the ultras.
Volodymyr Zelensky and Joe Biden walk through the White House this Thursday
EFE/EPA/Evan Vucci / POOL
Yes they received it in the Senate. The head of the Republican majority, Chuck Schumer, who regretted McCarthy’s attitude, summoned the 100 senators. Zelensky reiterated his call for F-16 fighters and long-range missiles. “You provide the money, we provide the lives. If you don’t help us we will lose the war,” he told them. Some Republicans replied upon leaving that enough was enough and that he should go ask Europe. The US has sent about 113 billion.
At the White House, Biden announced another allocation of $325 million, mainly for air defense. It could be the last. The president’s hands are tied as of September 30, when the fiscal year ends. Conservative extremists, encouraged by Donald Trump, want the Government to shut down due to non-payment, unless everything they ask for is accepted. Ukraine is not on the list. At the White House, Biden announced another allocation of $325 million, mainly for air defense. It could be the last. The president’s hands are tied as of September 30, when the fiscal year ends. Conservative extremists, encouraged by Donald Trump, want the Government to shut down due to non-payment, unless everything they ask for is accepted. Ukraine is not on the list.
Also read The Economist
#Republicans #censure #Zelenskys #visit #Capitol #Hill