The White House has issued an urgent call for Congress to provide additional funding to sustain military aid to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
The request, highlighted in a letter from Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young to congressional leaders, emphasizes the critical nature of this funding for U.S. national security. Without prompt legislative action, the U.S. will deplete its resources for supplying weapons to Ukraine by year’s end.
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Urgent funding shortfall threatens U.S. aid to Ukraine, warns Budget Director
In her correspondence, Young emphasized the dire situation: “I want to be clear: without congressional action, by the end of the year, we will run out of resources to procure more weapons and equipment for Ukraine and to provide equipment from U.S. military stocks.”
“There is no magical pot of funding available to meet this moment. We are out of money—and nearly out of time.” This statement underscores the immediacy and seriousness of the funding shortfall.
Ukraine aid funds nearly spent, officials report to Congress
The letter, directed at key congressional figures including Speaker Mike Johnson, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, detailed the expenditure of the previously allocated $111 billion for Ukraine aid.
Young revealed that the Pentagon had already utilized 97% of its $62.3 billion share by mid-November. The State Department has exhausted all its $4.7 billion, including various assistance forms.
Ukraine’s military capabilities lie on U.S aid
Young warned that failing to provide additional support could severely hinder Ukraine’s military capabilities, possibly leading to Russian advances.
She noted that 60% of the funds spent have bolstered the U.S. defense industry, benefiting domestic manufacturers as they produce weaponry for Ukraine and replenish American stockpiles.
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White House seeks $100 billion for security, major portion kept for Ukraine aid
The White House’s request in late October for approximately $100 billion, which included funding for border security and support for Israel and Ukraine, earmarked about $61 billion for Ukraine.
This sum aimed to supply equipment from the Department of Defense to Ukraine and to backfill U.S. stocks.
White House presses for urgent Ukraine aid to avert escalating conflict
As the winter months approach, the White House has repeatedly urged Congress to act on this supplemental request, arguing that a delay could compromise Ukraine’s position in the conflict.
President Biden has communicated to the American public the broader implications of the conflict, stressing that a Russian victory poses a global threat to democracies and could potentially involve the U.S. in a more significant conflict.
Challenges in house for Ukraine aid linked to U.S. border policy changes
The request faces challenges, particularly in the Republican-controlled House. Despite some skepticism among lawmakers, Speaker Johnson expressed confidence in securing funding for Ukraine and Israel.
However, he suggests handling them separately and coupling the Ukraine funding with changes to U.S. border policy.
Johnson stated, “Ukraine is another priority. Of course, we can’t allow [Russian President] Vladimir Putin to march through Europe. And we understand the necessity of assisting there,” adding the importance of concurrent focus on U.S. border policy changes.
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