Despite urgent pleas from the White House and continued fighting in Ukraine, Congress adjourned for the holidays without passing a new supplemental funding package for Kyiv and U.S. border security. The delay leaves both issues hanging in the balance, with lawmakers facing pressure to act swiftly in the early weeks of 2024.
Negotiations between Democrats and Republicans over the size and scope of the aid package broke down this week. The Biden administration requested $37.5 billion for Ukraine, including military and humanitarian assistance, but faced objections from Republicans demanding additional funding for border security measures. While both sides expressed a commitment to supporting Ukraine and securing the border, they couldn’t agree on the details.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre assured reporters that “constructive conversations” were underway and acknowledged the need for “compromise and flexibility.” However, she emphasized the urgency of the situation, as the U.S. is projected to run out of resources for Ukraine by the end of the month. “We cannot afford any delay in getting critical assistance to the Ukrainian people,” she stated.
Republican lawmakers, citing a recent surge in migrant crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border, insisted on including their preferred border security measures in the aid package. This demand faced resistance from Democrats, who see it as a “poison pill” aimed at derailing the entire deal.
The delay puts additional strain on Ukraine, currently locked in a grueling war against Russia. With limited supplies and uncertain future assistance, Ukrainian officials expressed disappointment and urged Western allies to maintain their support.
Lawmakers are expected to return to Washington in early January, where they will face renewed pressure to address both the Ukraine aid and border security challenges. Whether they can reach a bipartisan compromise and pass a comprehensive funding package remains to be seen.
Key Points:
- Deadlocked negotiations in Congress over Ukraine aid and border security.
- White House and Ukrainian concerns about the delay.
- Republican demands for border security measures.
- Unclear future for Ukraine aid.
- Renewed pressure on lawmakers to act in January.
Photo: Ukrainian soldiers practice on a tank during military training, in Ukraine, Dec. 6. With Congress unlikely to pass a new Ukraine aid package before the New Year, the Ukrainians are bracing for a tough winter as military operations slow down, troops are forced to preserve ammunition and Russian attacks target energy infrastructure across the country. https://myfox8.com/news/politics/hill-politics/as-congress-kicks-ukraine-aid-to-2024-supplies-and-hope-dwindle/amp/
