The White House has greenlit a new military aid package worth $300 million for Ukraine as the country faces escalating challenges in its conflict with Russia. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan announced the decision, detailing that the funds would be sourced from identified savings within Army budgets. While this provides a temporary solution, Sullivan emphasized that a more comprehensive approach requires Congress to pass the emergency supplemental, which includes a substantial $60 billion for Ukraine.
Watch commentary by Judge Napolitano and Matthew Hoh
In response to the urgent situation in Ukraine, House Democrats have initiated efforts to force a vote on a comprehensive aid package for the embattled nation. Their discharge petition seeks to compel the consideration of a Senate-passed foreign aid package, amounting to $95 billion. This package not only earmarks significant support for Ukraine but also allocates funds to Israel, Taiwan, and humanitarian aid in Gaza. However, the Republican-controlled House, under the leadership of Speaker Mike Johnson, has resisted bringing the bill to the floor, citing concerns over the absence of provisions addressing U.S. border policy changes.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell is urging Speaker Johnson to take decisive action by allowing a vote on the sweeping foreign aid package. The Senate previously passed a comprehensive $95 billion national security package aimed at providing military assistance to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. McConnell’s call for action becomes crucial as Ukrainian forces confront a dire shortage of artillery amidst Russia’s ongoing invasion. Speaker Johnson has hesitated to advance the bill, insisting on conditioning aid for Ukraine with broad policy changes related to the U.S.-Mexico border.
In a notable development, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren and several other Senate Democrats are calling for the conditional withholding of military assistance to Israel. They contend that Israel’s restriction of humanitarian aid to Gaza, as reported by the United Nations, is a violation of U.S. law governing international aid. Last week, the Biden administration authorized air drops of food into Gaza, responding to a dire situation where approximately half a million people are at risk of starvation.
As the geopolitical landscape remains tumultuous, the urgency for swift and decisive action to support Ukraine and address regional challenges has taken center stage.
