The White House has sounded the alarm, declaring a critical shortage of funds to support Ukraine amid growing discord over the budget agreement. White House Budget Director Shalanda Young, in a letter addressed to House of Representatives head Mike Johnson, conveyed a stark message: “We are running out of money and soon running out of time.” The plea emphasizes the urgent need for Congress to take decisive action, warning that without intervention, the ability to deliver crucial weapons and equipment to Ukraine, along with supplies from US military stockpiles, will be depleted by year-end.
Congress at a Crossroads: Right-Wing Opposition Grows
The letter from Budget Director Shalanda Young has placed the ball firmly in the court of right-wing factions in Congress, where sentiments to disengage from the Ukraine war and curtail spending of US taxpayers’ money are gaining momentum. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, in a press conference, urged Congress to make a pivotal decision: “Congress must decide whether to continue supporting the fight for freedom in Ukraine or ignore the lessons we have learned from history and allow Putin to prevail.”
Ukraine’s Struggle Amidst Russian Assaults
The funding dilemma comes at a challenging juncture for Ukraine, with its summer counteroffensive yielding limited results. Russian forces have intensified assaults, particularly around Avdivka in the east, adding considerable pressure on Kyiv. The Budget Director’s letter underscores the severity of the situation, stating, “There is no magic funding available to deal with the emergency. We are running out of money and soon to run out of time.”
Biden’s Call for Exceptional Funding: A Complex Landscape
President Joe Biden had requested Congress on October 20 to approve exceptional funding exceeding $100 billion, earmarking over $60 billion for Ukraine’s battle against the Russian invasion. However, the budgetary landscape in Washington remains in limbo, marked by prolonged political turbulence. The Democratic majority in the Senate awaits a classified video conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, scheduled to address senators on the critical situation and garner support.
Budgetary Limbo: Congressional Challenges and Policy Demands
The US Congress, consisting of a Democratic-majority Senate and a Republican-majority House of Representatives, grapples with the absence of a voted-upon budget for the fiscal year starting October 1. Political discord within the Republican Party further complicates matters. As the government functions under an emergency extension set to expire in mid-January, Speaker Mike Johnson’s leadership seeks to navigate the challenging budgetary debates. However, demands for a tightened migration policy in exchange for support for a new Ukraine package present an additional hurdle in the path towards securing crucial funds for Ukraine.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Hoover Institution
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