On Monday, President Biden tore into House Republicans for their refusal to pass legislation granting more aid to Ukraine.
Long time coming
“It’s just shocking,” Biden said to reporters outside the White House. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Total refusal
Several days before, the Senate managed to pass a $95 billion aid package with bipartisan support. The bill includes $61 billion for Ukraine.
Support from both sides
The aid bill gained support from 22 Republicans in the Senate, who joined Democrats to pass the bill with 70 total votes. Twenty-nine Senators opposed the bill.
Urging speed
“If we do not stand against tyrants who seek to conquer or carve up their neighbors’ territory, the consequences for America’s national security will be significant,” Biden said after the bill passed, urging the House to take action on the bill quickly. “Our allies and adversaries alike will take note.”
Lack of support
However, multiple far-right Republicans in the House, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, have indicated they do not support the bill. Johnson has stated multiple times that he will not allow the bill to pass quickly, warning it could be months before the legislation makes it to Biden’s desk.
Willing to talk
On Monday, Biden said he would “be happy to meet with [Johnson], if he has anything to say.”
Widespread support
According to Pew Research, as of mid-February 74% of Americans see the war between Russia and Ukraine as somewhat or very important to US interests. Just under 60% believe the war is somewhat or very important to them personally.
But not total support
However, a poll by the Quincy Institute For Responsible Statecraft conducted around the same time found that over two-thirds of Americans support the US using diplomacy to end the war as soon as possible. A slightly smaller number of Americans support that diplomatic approach even if it requires the US and Ukraine to make compromises.
Harsh words
“The way they’re walking away from the threat of Russia, the way they’re walking away from NATO, the way they’re walking away from meeting our obligations. It’s just shocking,” Biden said.
Thankful
“The decision by the United States Senate to continue the support for our country and our warriors has been anticipated not only by us, but also by many other nations, particularly those in Europe,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said after the Senate passed the aid bill.
Call to action
“The world is looking for American leadership to remain steadfast, help protect lives, and preserve freedom,” Zelenskyy said. “This truly contributes to confidence and motivation.”
Not complete
“I thank each of the 70 senators who voted in the affirmative,” Zelenskyy said. “Ukraine appreciates it very much. This was the first step. The next step is the House of Representatives and the vote of congressmen there. We expect a positive decision. We hope for principled support. And we believe that America will continue to be a leader.”
However
Johnson’s continued opposition to providing aid to Ukraine, however, makes that positive decision unlikely. Far-right members in the House, including Johnson, have insisted that no money should be sent to Ukraine until the southern border is fortified — but killed an omnibus bill tying Ukraine aid with significant concessions on the border.
Real consequences
According to the Wall Street Journal, “Russian advances in Avdiivka,… the first Ukrainian city to fall since the capture of Bakhmut last May, are the direct result of acute ammunition shortage—caused by the U.S. Congress withholding further military aid to Ukraine.”
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