Biden urges Congressional leaders to approve military aid for Ukraine
Photo: U.S. President Joe Biden (Getty Images)
On Wednesday, January 17, the President of the United States Joe Biden discussed with representatives of Congress the provision of financial and military support to Ukraine. The White House leader urged members of Congress to promptly approve assistance to Ukraine and emphasized the importance of strengthening border protection against illegal migrants from Mexico, according to the White House website.
The head of state held a meeting with the leadership of Congress, as well as chairs and senior members of the intelligence, armed services, appropriations committees in the House of Representatives and the Senate, committees on foreign affairs in the Senate and foreign affairs in the House of Representatives.
During the meeting, the President of the United States emphasized the importance of Congress approving financial assistance, which would allow strengthening the Armed Forces of Ukraine with necessary resources, including air defense and artillery means, to defend against Russia's brutal invasion.
"The President discussed the strategic consequences of inaction for Ukraine, the United States, and the world. He was clear: Congress’s continued failure to act endangers the United States’ national security, the NATO Alliance, and the rest of the free world. The President called on Congress to quickly provide additional funding to support Ukraine and send a strong signal of U.S. resolve," the statement said.
In addition, the President emphasized the importance of a swift resolution to the issue of illegal migration at the US-Mexico border. Biden is satisfied with the progress in bipartisan negotiations ongoing in the Senate, reaffirmed his commitment to reaching an agreement on border policy, and the need to engage additional resources to address the crisis on the southern border.
The head of the White House called on Congress to pass its national security bill as soon as possible.
Problems with the approval of U.S. financial aid for Ukraine
Over the past few months, a political battle has unfolded in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate between Democrats and Republicans over a bill providing financial assistance to Ukraine and other allies.
On October 20, 2023, U.S. President Joe Biden submitted a bill to Congress proposing the allocation of $106 billion in aid to Israel and Ukraine, as well as strengthening the defense-industrial complex. Out of this amount, $61.3 billion was proposed for Ukraine and $14.3 billion for Israel.
However, on December 6, Republicans blocked the start of debates on the bill in the Senate. They demanded that the White House include more radical proposals in the document regarding the protection of the southern U.S. border from illegal migrants from Mexico.
On January 12, the White House announced that aid to Ukraine was suspended until Congress approved a new funding package.
The Senate has approved a bipartisan agreement on funding for Ukraine and border security and plans to consider it next week.
However, it is unknown whether the House of Representatives will approve the document due to the firm and principled stance of Speaker Mike Johnson.
