Minority Leader in House of Representatives set deadline for approving aid to Ukraine
Photo: House Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (photo from open sources)
The leader of the Democratic minority in the United States House of Representatives, Hakeem Jeffries, stated that the lower chamber must pass a bill on financial aid for Ukraine by the end of next week, according to the politician's press briefing in the Capitol on Wednesday, March 13.
The congressman set a clear deadline for Speaker Mike Johnson and lawmakers to pass a package of financial aid to Ukraine for defense purposes.
"The clock is ticking, and we have to get the bipartisan national security bill over the finish line before we leave town next Friday, March 22 — before we leave town. It’s reckless to do otherwise," said Jeffries.
It should be noted that former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi also addressed Speaker Johnson regarding the aid bill.
"Lead, follow or get out the way," she said.
Problems with US financial aid to Ukraine
After the failure of the vote on Joe Biden's $106 billion bill for aid to Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, a new bill for aid to these three countries totaling $96 billion was developed in early February of this year, but without a package regarding the protection of the southern border of the United States with Mexico. Over $60 billion is allocated for Ukraine in this bill.
On February 13, the Senate approved this document. However, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson refuses to bring the bill to a vote.
Instead, Johnson has begun discussing a compromise version of the bill with congressmen. In this version, Ukraine is proposed to receive significantly less funding: $47.69 billion compared to the declared $60.06 billion.
In the House of Representatives, signatures are being collected to bring the bill for aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan totaling $96 billion to a vote.
Meanwhile, Republicans are preparing an alternative bill for aid to Ukraine. It is expected to be introduced after March 22.
President Biden stated that without approval of the bill by Congress, funding for US arms purchases for Ukraine will not be able to resume.
