The exclusion of President Joe Biden's request for additional Ukraine aid from a bill to keep the federal government open highlights the growing difficulty in winning approval for such assistance. Republican resistance to the aid has been gaining momentum, as evidenced by the recent House vote to strip $300 million from a defense spending bill intended for training Ukrainian soldiers and purchasing weapons. Although the money was later approved separately, opponents of Ukraine support celebrated their increasing numbers.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, under pressure from his right flank, omitted additional Ukraine aid from a measure to keep the government running until Nov. 17. This move effectively closed the door on a Senate package that would have provided $6 billion to Ukraine, a third of what the White House had requested. Both the House and Senate overwhelmingly approved the stopgap measure, with members from both parties prioritizing the avoidance of a costly government shutdown over increased aid for Ukraine.
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These recent actions in Congress indicate a gradual shift in the unwavering support that the United States has so far pledged to Ukraine in its fight against Russia. It also serves as a clear example of the Republican Party's movement toward a more isolationist stance. The exclusion of Ukraine funding came just over a week after lawmakers met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who emphasized the crucial need for additional aid to continue the fight.
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Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer summarized Zelenskyy's message as, "'If we don't get the aid, we will lose the war.'" However, McCarthy, influenced by his right flank, has shifted his position from advocating for accountability in aid to describing the Senate's approach as prioritizing Ukraine over America. McCarthy did not indicate whether he would bring aid for Ukraine up for a House vote in the coming weeks.
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President Biden expressed his commitment to supporting Ukraine, stating that "we cannot under any circumstances allow American support for Ukraine to be interrupted." He called on McCarthy to fulfill his commitment to the people of Ukraine and push through the necessary support. Both Schumer and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell pledged to move quickly to pass the full White House request in the Senate. However, as more GOP senators question the aid or demand that it be tied to immigration policy for securing the southern border, achieving this goal will become increasingly difficult.
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Some Republican senators, like Rick Scott of Florida, expressed the need for a conversation with the American public regarding Ukraine aid. Scott stated that while people in his state want to be helpful to Ukraine, they also want to understand how the money has been spent and ensure that it benefits Americans as well. Despite disappointment over the lack of Ukraine funding, Democrats remain determined to secure economic and security assistance for the war-torn country, emphasizing its importance for America's security and global democracy.
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Leading up to the recent vote, Pentagon officials expressed alarm at the prospect of no extra funding for Ukraine. Michael McCord, under secretary of defense, wrote in a letter to congressional leaders that the department has nearly exhausted all available security assistance. Without additional funding, Ukraine would face delays or curtailment in meeting its urgent requirements for air defense and ammunition, especially as Russia prepares for a winter offensive and continues its bombardment of Ukrainian cities.
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Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stressed the vital role of U.S. assistance in Ukraine's fight against tyranny, stating that America must live up to its word. While Rep. Mike Rogers, the Republican chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, believes that the Pentagon has enough draw-down money to last through December, he still supports funding for Ukraine. Rogers acknowledged the fractures within the Republican caucus but emphasized the importance of sending a clear message of U.S. support for Ukraine.
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Rep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, expressed disappointment in the message being sent by Speaker McCarthy and former President Donald Trump, who has called for withholding additional Ukraine funding until certain demands are met. Meeks recalled McCarthy telling Zelenskyy during his visit that "we will give them what they need," but now questions whether they can be relied upon.
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The United States has already approved four rounds of aid to Ukraine in response to Russia's invasion, totaling approximately $113 billion. Some of this money has been used to replenish U.S. military equipment sent to the frontlines. In August, President Biden called on Congress to provide an additional $24 billion.
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The House's decision to act first on government funding left the Senate with a difficult choice: either accept a bill that fails to help Ukraine or risk an extended government shutdown. Sen. Chris Murphy expressed frustration at the outcome, emphasizing that every day without additional funding brings Russia closer to victory.
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However, Sen. Jim Risch of Idaho, the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, reassured Ukraine that this should not be seen as a change in the United States' commitment. Risch believes that aid can still be approved through other means.
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