Biden convenes congressional leaders to discuss aid to Ukraine
President of the United States Joe Biden will meet with Congressional leaders on Tuesday, February 27th. They are set to discuss issues related to aid for Ukraine and the vote on funding for the American government's operations, reports The Washington Post.
According to the material, Biden invited Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, House Democrats Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Democrats Leader Chuck Schumer, and Senate Republicans Leader Mitch McConnell for discussions.
They are set to discuss the urgency of passing an aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Additionally, they will discuss legislation to ensure the operation of the federal government until the end of September.
On March 1st, funding for the departments of Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Agriculture, and Veterans Affairs in the United States will expire, followed by funding for the Pentagon, the Department of Homeland Security, and the State Department on March 8th.
Blocking aid from the United States
On February 13th, the United States Senate supported a bill to provide aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan worth $95 billion. Over $60 billion is earmarked for Ukraine.
However, for this bill to take effect, it must be approved by the United States House of Representatives and signed by President Joe Biden.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson opposed the initiative. President Joe Biden urged the House of Representatives to approve the bill.
However, the US House of Representatives has announced a recess until February 28th, thus delaying the process of providing aid to Ukraine.