New Texas ammo plant highlights divisions over arming Ukraine

A new General Dynamics ammunition plant being built in Mesquite, Texas will help arm Ukraine, creating local economic opportunities.
Some Republican representatives, including Mesquite's congressman Lance Gooden, oppose continued US aid to Ukraine despite the plant benefiting their districts.
The demand for weapons to support Ukraine has led to defense industry growth across America, including in districts of representatives voting against aid.
Mesquite officials hope the plant brings high-paying manufacturing jobs but worry congressional opposition could threaten funding needed to sustain production.
The situation reflects how "America First" politics have turned some lawmakers against aiding Ukraine, even if it benefits their own constituents.

nytimes.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/7/2023

Republican civil war heats up over Ukraine aid

Opposing GOP views on U.S. funding to Ukraine are setting up a showdown between Republicans in the House and Senate, with conservative members threatening a government shutdown if their demands are not included in the spending measure.

9/28/2023

Growing GOP Opposition in House Threatens Future Ukraine Aid

Growing Republican divisions over U.S. aid to Ukraine are posing a threat to Congress passing additional funding to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia, raising concerns of a government shutdown and highlighting a new isolationist streak within the party.

9/30/2023

Zelensky Visits Washington to Rally Support for Continued Ukraine Aid, But Faces Resistance from Some in GOP

Ukrainian President Zelensky warns that Russia is relying on eroding U.S. support to win its war against Ukraine, as funding for Ukraine becomes a contentious issue among House Republicans.

10/3/2023

Congress Faces Battle Over Additional Ukraine Aid as Funding Deadlines Loom

The battle over funding for Ukraine is intensifying in the House as lawmakers race to approve funding bills, with some Republicans declaring it an existential threat to global security and vowing to fight for Ukraine to be funded.

10/3/2023

Ukraine Aid Caught in Partisan Clash as Lawmakers Fight Over Funding Amid War

Lawmakers supporting U.S. aid to Ukraine are frustrated after a setback in Congress leaves President Biden facing challenges in securing more funds for Ukraine due to deep political divisions and demands for policy changes on the U.S.-Mexico border.

10/4/2023

Ukraine concerned as US political turmoil puts future aid in doubt

Mounting political chaos in America has created uncertainty for Ukraine as their supply of money and weapons from the US is threatened, leaving Ukrainian officials concerned and scrambling for solutions.

10/6/2023

Congress Approves Over $100 Billion in Ukraine Aid, But More Funding Uncertain as Public Support Declines

The future of U.S. military and economic aid to Ukraine is uncertain as some Republicans in Congress oppose sending more money, despite President Biden's commitment to support Ukraine in its resistance against Russia.

10/7/2023

GOP Infighting Leads to Collapse of Ukraine Aid Package Despite Bipartisan Support

The collapse of Ukraine aid in Congress is a setback for the Biden administration as a minority of Republican lawmakers, including allies of former President Trump, flex their power and jeopardize assistance, highlighting the challenges of bipartisan support in Washington.