WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden has submitted a detailed request to Congress, urging them to allocate $106 billion for various purposes in the coming year. The funds will be used to support Ukraine and Israel in their defense efforts, provide assistance to war victims in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip, address China’s activities in the western Pacific, and enhance security at the Mexican border.
Shalanda Young, the director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, emphasized the urgency of the matter and called on Congress to act swiftly. However, the lack of a speaker in the GOP-run House raises concerns about the timeline for legislative action. In her letter to the House, Young addresses “Speaker Pro Tempore” Patrick McHenry, but it remains uncertain whether he has the authority to move legislation according to the chamber’s rules. Young stated that the White House is not getting involved in resolving this matter, leaving it to the House to work out.
Young, along with national security adviser Jake Sullivan, provided additional details and dollar figures in relation to President Biden’s recent Oval Office address regarding an “urgent budget request” to meet national security needs. The proposed $106 billion budget includes $61.4 billion for military assistance to Ukraine, $14.3 billion for military support to Israel, and $9.2 billion for humanitarian aid to war victims in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip.
In addition, $4 billion has been allocated to counter China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region, with a significant portion designated for military assistance to Taiwan. To enhance the United States’ submarine capacity, $3.4 billion will be dedicated to that purpose. Furthermore, $13.6 billion will be directed towards addressing the increase in migration at the southern border with Mexico. This funding will support the recruitment of more border patrol agents, law enforcement officers, asylum officers, and immigration judge teams.
Young highlighted that Republicans who have voiced concerns about border security now have an opportunity to take action, just as they did in response to a previous request for $4 billion. She emphasized that the administration will not be lectured by those who refuse to act.
The budget request does not specify the exact amount of money allocated for humanitarian assistance to Gaza, given the ongoing conflict and Israel’s bombardment of the region. Young explained that humanitarian aid is flexible, allowing for swift responses to changing circumstances. She assured the continuation of robust aid towards Gaza, reflecting the administration’s commitment to the region.
Jake Sullivan provided further reasoning for the military assistance to Ukraine, countering Republican opposition. He emphasized that the weapons provided to Ukraine come from existing U.S. stockpiles, which supports the American economy and workers. Additionally, Sullivan stressed the importance of deterring aggression and sending a clear message that dictatorships cannot conquer or divide neighboring countries. The United States, led by Joe Biden, is determined to defend democratic partners like Ukraine and uphold the coalition built over the past year and a half. The aim is to prove Vladimir Putin wrong in his expectations of U.S. withdrawal and indifference.
