Title: Biden Administration Pushes for Increased Weapons Package for Israel and Ukraine
Subtitle: Congress Faces Delays in Passing Legislation Amidst Speaker Selection Crisis
Date: October 15, 2023
In the wake of Russia’s ongoing attack on Ukraine and escalating tensions in the Middle East, the Biden administration is pushing for a new weapons package for Israel and Ukraine. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan announced on Sunday that the proposed package, which aims to provide support and defense equipment, will be significantly higher than the initially reported $2 billion.
Sullivan emphasized that President Joe Biden will engage in intensive talks with Congress this week to garner support for the approval of the package. However, the Republicans’ struggle to elect a new House speaker has delayed the legislative process and added further uncertainty to the situation. This delay comes at a critical time as Israel prepares for a possible ground war against Hamas in Gaza, and U.S. officials warn of a potential escalation in the regional crisis.
To increase the chances of getting the aid package approved, Biden has been considering lumping together aid requests for Israel, Ukraine, and possibly Taiwan, as well as aid for addressing issues at the U.S.-Mexico border. The inclusion of aid for Ukraine has faced opposition from some Republicans, who have expressed reservations about providing financial assistance to Kyiv.
When asked about the proposed budget request, Sullivan confirmed that the amount would exceed $2 billion. He assured that the package would include the necessary military equipment to defend Ukraine’s freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, as well as support Israel in its fight against terrorist threats.
However, divisions within the Republican Party regarding the aid package for Ukraine and Israel have already emerged. Some Republicans have declared their opposition to any package that includes aid for Ukraine, emphasizing the need for separate aid bills for each country.
The situation has been further complicated by the ongoing crisis surrounding the selection of a House speaker. Following the removal of Kevin McCarthy as House speaker nearly two weeks ago, the party has been struggling to find a replacement. Ohio Representative Jim Jordan, a prominent supporter of former President Donald Trump, has been nominated for the position, but it remains uncertain if he can secure the necessary votes from fellow Republicans.
In response to the crisis, House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries has suggested that Democrats could collaborate with Republicans to nominate a speaker. Informal conversations are reportedly already underway to find a bipartisan solution and formalize discussions once lawmakers return to Washington.
Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has indicated that the Senate could take the lead in passing an aid bill, with hopes that a strong bipartisan show of support could motivate the House to take action, despite its current disarray.
As Congress faces this critical decision, the Biden administration emphasizes the urgency of providing aid and support to Ukraine and Israel amidst ongoing international crises. The path this aid bill will take through Congress remains uncertain due to the ongoing speaker selection process and the divisions within the Republican Party.