21-10-2023 (WASHINGTON) President Joe Biden has called on Congress to approve an aid package totaling $105.85 billion, including significant military aid for Ukraine and Israel. The request comes amidst political turmoil in the US House of Representatives, where Republicans have been unable to elect a speaker for the past 17 days.
In an impassioned speech delivered from the Oval Office, the 80-year-old Democrat emphasized the importance of the proposed aid in securing US interests for future generations. The package includes $61 billion in military aid for Ukraine, $14 billion for Israel, and $14 billion for addressing the migration crisis at the southern border with Mexico. The allocation for the border crisis includes $6.4 billion for security, a key concern for the Republican Party.
The aid package also encompasses $7 billion for countering China and strengthening allies in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as over $9 billion for humanitarian assistance in Gaza, Ukraine, and Israel. Biden’s intention is to link support for Ukraine with funding for Israel in order to garner bipartisan backing for the aid package.
The White House Office of Management and Budget director, Shalanda Young, urged Congress to come together and prioritize these issues as part of a comprehensive and bipartisan agreement. However, the chaotic situation in the House of Representatives casts doubt on the timeline for considering Biden’s request. Republicans, who hold a narrow majority, have been embroiled in internal discord, struggling to select a speaker.
The aid proposal received gratitude from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who visited Washington in September to seek increased military assistance against Russia. Zelensky expressed hope that both parties in Congress would work together for the benefit of Ukraine.
While support for Ukraine remains strong among certain Republicans in the Senate, there is growing opposition to providing additional security assistance. Some Republicans and a significant portion of US voters oppose further financial commitments to Ukraine, given the $43.9 billion already allocated since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer pledged swift action in the upper chamber and called on Republicans to resolve their internal conflicts. However, the path forward for Biden’s request remains uncertain until Republicans can settle their differences and elect a speaker.
Biden’s speech not only sought support for the aid package but also aimed to emphasize the United States’ role as a global leader. He connected the conflicts in Ukraine and Israel, framing the US as a beacon of democracy confronting terrorists like Hamas and tyrants like Russian President Vladimir Putin. The President’s remarks drew criticism from the Kremlin, which denounced his comments and expressed dissatisfaction with the tone directed at Russia and President Putin.
On a separate note, Biden hosted European Union leaders Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen for a summit at the White House, where they discussed unity on the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.
