A heated spending battle is currently taking place among Republicans in the U.S. Congress, and it may result in a government shutdown. This could have serious consequences for U.S. military aid to Ukraine, which is desperately needed at this time. President Joe Biden has requested an additional $40 billion in government spending, including $21 billion for military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. However, right-wing members of the House of Representatives are calling for significant cuts to government spending, which could delay the passing of a budget bill or short-term funding resolution by the end of the month. Failure to do so would result in a government shutdown and leave federal programs and workers unpaid.
To increase the chances of passing the spending bill, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is reportedly considering separating the Ukraine funding into its own bill. However, this could further delay its approval, and Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russia is in dire need of support. Andrew Rasiulis, a fellow at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, warns that if American funding dries up, Ukraine will be forced to make a deal with Russia.
The U.S. has been the largest supplier of military aid to Ukraine in the past 20 months, providing $45.2 billion in committed aid, more than twice the amount committed by Germany, the second-largest donor. Canada has committed $1.8 billion in military aid and has also provided financial assistance. President Biden and the Pentagon have reiterated their support for Ukraine and have expressed willingness to continue supporting the country. There is approximately $5.75 billion left in the already-approved funding for weapons and equipment, and the new request of $21 million aims to ensure the U.S. can supply Ukraine through the end of 2023.
Ukrainian soldiers have praised the U.S. military aid as a game-changer and have credited it with saving lives and putting Russia on the defensive. However, progress in retaking Russian-seized territory has slowed as Russia has installed anti-tank landmines and targeted weapons depots with long-range missile attacks. Public opinion on the war effort and U.S. funding appears to be mixed, with some polls showing decreased support for additional funding, particularly among Republicans.
Despite opposition from far-right Republicans, it seems that support for funding Ukraine remains strong in the Senate, with Republican Leader Mitch McConnell emphasizing the importance of standing with allies against Russian President Vladimir Putin. While the House is struggling to negotiate spending legislation, the Senate is moving forward with passing its own versions of appropriations bills, including Ukrainian aid. Both chambers must pass identical budgets before President Biden can sign them into law.
House Speaker McCarthy is facing demands from the far-right wing of his party before they will support any budget bill, including significant spending cuts and potential amendments to end Ukrainian aid. Separating the Ukraine aid from Biden’s spending request could complicate matters further, as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has indicated he will not support this approach. The White House is advocating for continued support to Ukraine and has been briefing senators from both parties on the situation.
In conclusion, the battle over government spending in the U.S. Congress could jeopardize military aid to Ukraine and potentially lead to a government shutdown. The situation is complex and contentious, with various factions pushing for different priorities. The outcome remains uncertain, but the need for continued support to Ukraine is crucial.
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