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Jimmy Williams
The United States is on the verge of running out of funding for Ukraine this month if Congress fails to pass President Joe Biden’s emergency supplemental spending request, according to a National Security Council spokesperson.
The Biden administration is set to announce one more package of military aid to Ukraine in the coming weeks. Still, after that, the funding for Ukraine is expected to deplete, requiring prompt congressional action.
National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby emphasized the urgency, stating, “When that one is done … we will have no more replenishment authority available to us. And we’re going to need Congress to act without delay.” The Pentagon still holds $4.4 billion in presidential drawdown authority to provide weapons directly from the Defense Department’s inventory. However, the ability to transfer weapons is constrained by the need for funding to replenish U.S. stockpiles, and this funding is rapidly diminishing.
Pentagon Comptroller Mike McCord underscored the importance of immediate congressional action in a letter to Congress, urging lawmakers to approve the administration’s supplemental request of around $111 billion. The supplemental includes over $60 billion in aid for Ukraine, over $14 billion for Israel, and funding for Taiwan. McCord emphasized that the assistance is crucial for Ukraine to continue its fight for freedom.
However, discussions on Capitol Hill have been stalling, with lawmakers debating whether to link the emergency supplemental request to a deal on border security. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called on senators to return this week instead of proceeding with the recess to expedite progress on a potential agreement.
GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham indicated that, despite weeks of negotiations, senators are “not anywhere close” to reaching a deal before the end of the year. This raises concerns about the possibility of further U.S. aid to Ukraine being jeopardized.
The Biden administration has sought to garner public support for increased spending on Ukraine by emphasizing the benefits to U.S. manufacturers and the job market. Officials highlight that the funding supports American jobs and strengthens relationships with the defense industry across the country.
The situation underscores the critical need for bipartisan cooperation in Congress to ensure the continued support of Ukraine amid ongoing geopolitical challenges. The impending depletion of funding emphasizes the urgency of resolving debates on Capitol Hill and swiftly passing the necessary legislation.
