President Biden Appeals to Congress for $24 Billion to Aid Ukraine in Defeating Russian Invasion
President Biden has requested an additional $24 billion from Congress to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s ongoing invasion. The funds would be part of a larger $40 billion spending package that also includes provisions for disaster relief and border enforcement. This marks the first time Biden has sought to send more weapons to Ukraine since Republicans gained control of the House in January.
The request comes at a time when polls show growing weariness among the American public regarding the war. Allied leaders around the world are closely watching to see if the United States will continue its support for Ukraine, while analysts speculate that Russian President Vladimir Putin believes he can wait out Western involvement in the conflict.
Biden has consistently emphasized his support for Ukraine as a key aspect of his foreign policy, arguing that it is crucial for American national security to confront aggression in Europe. American weapons have played a crucial role in Ukraine’s ability to resist Russian forces. However, former President Donald Trump, who praised Putin’s actions and refused to express support for Ukraine’s victory, could potentially make the war a central issue in next year’s election.
“The president has reaffirmed that we will stand with Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty for as long as it takes, a strategy that has successfully united our allies and partners and equipped Ukraine to defend itself against Russian aggression,” said Shalanda D. Young, the director of the White House Office of Management and Budget.
Some Republicans have expressed opposition to further aid for Ukraine, with House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy stating in June that any request for additional funding would “not go anywhere.” Last month, seventy House Republicans voted to cut off aid to Ukraine completely. While a majority of the House remains in support of aid to Ukraine, it is uncertain whether McCarthy will defy the vocal segment of his party and allow the spending package to move forward.
The $24 billion request includes $13.1 billion for military aid and replenishing weapons stocks, $8.5 billion for economic and humanitarian assistance, and $2.3 billion to leverage aid from other donors through the World Bank. Congress has already approved $113 billion in aid for Ukraine, with approximately 90 percent of those funds already spent or allocated. The United States is the largest donor to Ukraine, although critics argue that other countries contribute a larger share of their economies.
Conservative critics of Ukraine aid are urging Republicans to draw a line and withhold further funding until the Biden administration provides a more detailed account of how previous aid has been spent and articulates a clear end goal for the war.
The debate over the spending package will be a crucial moment in the war, with supporters of Ukraine arguing that it will send a message to Russia about American resolve. “The only way Putin can win this war now is for the United States to stop helping Ukraine,” said former Representative Tom Malinowski.
In an effort to garner support, President Biden included politically popular spending within the Ukraine aid request, such as funds for disaster relief, border security, and wildfire fighter pay. However, collectively, these requests will test the spending limits negotiated between Biden and McCarthy in May.
The politics surrounding the conflict in Ukraine have changed significantly since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Republican leaders, including Trump, have questioned the United States’ involvement in the war. Trump has even linked security aid to Ukraine with his efforts to tarnish Biden’s reputation. However, other Republican presidential candidates, including Mike Pence, Tim Scott, and Nikki R. Haley, have firmly supported Ukraine and criticized Trump for appeasing Putin.
A recent poll revealed that 55 percent of Americans oppose additional aid to Ukraine, with a stark division between Republicans and Democrats on the issue. The White House has consulted with key Republicans and is counting on support from Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine. However, it remains uncertain how much influence McConnell has over McCarthy and whether the Ukraine aid package will ultimately move forward.