Biden requests $5.8 bln aid extension for Ukraine as fiscal year nears end
US President Joe Biden (Phoro: Getty Images)
The administration of US President Joe Biden has sent a request to Congress to extend the presidential powers (PDA). This would allow the continuation of military aid to Ukraine after the end of the fiscal year in September, according to The Hill.
It is noted that this request must be included in the resolution for the continuation of US government funding after September 30, when the fiscal year ends.
Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder said that the US has $5.9 billion left for Ukraine under the presidential powers, and aside from $100 million, these funds will run out by the end of the fiscal year, meaning September 30.
The Biden administration has used presidential powers to quickly deliver weapons to Ukraine directly from the Department of Defense's stockpiles. The funds allocated by Congress are intended to assess the military equipment transferred to Ukraine and replenish US stockpiles. Aid to Ukraine is often provided in batches worth hundreds of millions of dollars to avoid depleting Pentagon reserves and to allow time for replenishment.
As The Hill notes, if Congress passes Biden's $5.8 billion resolution, it will allow the White House to continue sending military aid to Ukraine in small batches several times a month.
A congressional representative explained to the publication that the Biden administration may also announce that it is providing $5.8 billion in military aid to Ukraine by October 1, and then use the rest of the year to send the equipment. However, this is a less attractive option.
According to the source, some legal issues could arise regarding the distribution of funds, and the White House is concerned that it may lack the authority to authorize the transfer of ammunition that is currently out of stock.
The Hill adds that the expansion of powers is unlikely to face opposition regarding temporary funding.
Background
It should be noted that the continuation of funding for aid to Ukraine faced pressure from Republicans in the US Congress. Decisions could not be made for several months, creating a so-called "gap" in the supply of military aid.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that at one point during such a "gap" in supplies, Russia had a 12-to-1 artillery advantage.
Now the US is deciding on the use of the remaining $5.8 billion for Ukraine, which could "expire" in September when the fiscal year ends.
