The White House stated on Thursday that it could no longer guarantee more US military, economic and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, since Congress continues to block funding.
On Wednesday, Senate Republicans voted unanimously to block a $110.5 billion emergency spending bill for Ukraine, Israel and other security needs.
House Republicans are demanding policy changes to control the flow of immigration across the US-Mexico border, pledging to block any funding for Ukraine that is not tied to increased asylum restrictions, higher deportations and other conservative immigration proposals.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stated that the White House could not provide Ukraine with any guarantees of additional funding.
We are not in a position to make that promise to Ukraine given where things are on the Hill.
US President Joe Biden’s original request for $106 billion in national security funding included about $61 billion for Ukraine. The White House budget director told congressional leaders in a letter on Monday that non-approval of the new aid would “kneecap” Kyiv’s military efforts and economic recovery.
The White House claimed the new money was crucial as existing funding was running out. They are expected to fully exhaust these funds by the end of December.
The emergency aid package proposed by Biden and blocked in the Senate includes about $20 billion in security funding for the US-Mexico border, but Republicans are pushing to match the money with policy changes.
Democrats and Republicans have been negotiating immigration policy changes for weeks in order to secure enough Republican votes to pass it. However, Reuters and the Associated Press reported that talks broke down last Friday. Emotions mounted so high that a secret Senate briefing on Ukraine on Tuesday turned into an uproar, with several Republicans storming out.
Senator Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader, repeated claims that Democrats were not taking border security seriously enough, but expressed hope for reaching an agreement.
“Hopefully, the Senate can now see a new opportunity to make real progress on legislation that addresses urgent national security priorities both at home and abroad.”
Democratic Senator Chris Murphy, who has been a key negotiator in immigration talks with Republicans, stated that the two sides met on Thursday.
We need more constructive ideas from Republicans that can get Democratic votes. I’m willing to listen.
Lawmakers declared that Congress should not leave for the Christmas recess in mid-December until the legislation is completed. The top House Democrat, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, stated the following:
“It would be irresponsible legislatively for our Republican colleagues to decide that they’re going home to celebrate the holidays, when our allies continue to be involved in existential fights that relate directly to America’s national security.”
Amid uncertainty over aid, Ukraine this week signed agreements with two US companies to produce artillery shells as Kyiv seeks to develop its domestic defence sector. However, Ukrainian officials acknowledged that it could take at least two years before these operations begin.
Moreover, the White House announced that the US has a few weeks left, after which resources to help Ukraine will expire.
