The Biden Administration Requests over $105 Billion for Security Assistance in Ukraine, Israel, and More
The Biden administration is seeking a funding package of over $105 billion from Congress to provide security assistance to conflicts in Ukraine and Israel. The package also aims to address the global humanitarian impacts of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Hamas’ attacks on Israel by extending humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. The funding request, which has been shared with members of Congress, will also include additional funding for the US-Mexico border and priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.
In a letter to Speaker Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry, Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young outlined the funding request. It includes $61.4 billion in aid for Ukraine, $14.3 billion in aid for Israel, $9.15 billion in funding for humanitarian aid, $7.4 billion in funding for Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific region, and $13.6 billion to address security at the US-Mexico border. Young urges Congress to address these priorities as part of a comprehensive, bipartisan agreement.
President Joe Biden made a plea for the funding in a recent Oval Office address, calling it “an inflection point” in American history. He emphasized the need to stop Putin’s aggression in Ukraine, saying that if not stopped, he won’t limit himself to Ukraine alone. However, the administration may face challenges in securing the funding due to public support for Ukraine lagging and the ongoing political battle in Congress for the Speaker’s gavel.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has expressed support for the package and plans to move quickly to pass it. However, Senate Republicans have signaled that they want changes to border policy included in the package, which may require further negotiation. The funding for Ukraine and Israel will be allocated to various defense and intelligence initiatives, while the border security supplemental ask will go towards bolstering personnel, supporting asylum seekers, and addressing migration issues.
The funding request for Ukraine and Israel covers the entirety of Fiscal Year 2024, aiming to avoid frequent fights over funding in Congress. A significant portion of the funding will be invested in the American defense industrial base. The administration believes this funding is critical for America’s national security and the safety of its people.
The request for funding comes at a time when the House of Representatives is without a Speaker, leaving the Biden administration’s request in limbo. The administration has emphasized the urgency of the situation and expects Congress to act swiftly to address these critical needs.
Additional funding requests are expected in the coming days to address domestic priorities, such as replenishing FEMA’s emergency relief fund and supporting nutritional assistance programs.
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