U.S. aid to Ukraine: House Speaker issues ultimatum to White House
Photo: Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Mike Johnson (Getty Images)
Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Mike Johnson is threatening to withdraw support for new aid funding to Ukraine if the White House does not agree to strengthen border security, writes The Guardian.
In particular, Johnson's statement is outlined in a letter to the Director of the United States Office of Management and Budget (part of the Executive Office of the President) Shalanda Young.
"Supplemental Ukraine funding is dependent upon enactment of transformative change to our nation’s border security laws," Johnson emphasized.
In the letter, the Speaker refers to open borders in the United States as an "unconscionable and unsustainable catastrophe." He wants an immediate cessation of "this madness".
"The Biden Administration has ignored reality, choosing instead to engage in political posturing. We stand ready and willing to work with the Administration on a robust border security package that protects the interests of the American people," Johnson added.
The Speaker does not specify the exact measures he wants to achieve regarding border protection, but he mentions the border security law. This document includes the construction of a wall on the border with Mexico and restrictions on the ability of asylum seekers to stay in the United States. These are proposals opposed by Democrats and the administration of President Joe Biden.
New funding for aid to Ukraine
Recall that in October, U.S. President Joe Biden called on Congress to allocate over $100 billion. The package included funding for assistance to Ukraine of over $60 billion and assistance to Israel.
Johnson opposed combining aid to Ukraine and Israel into one package. He introduced a bill with separate funds for Israel, which was supported.
However, in the Senate, they refused even to consider the initiative. There, they support Biden's proposal.
Just yesterday, on December 4, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that if new funding is not received from Congress, the United States will not be able to transfer weapons to Ukraine.
