Biden to Meet Congressional Leaders, Push for Ukraine Aid Ahead of Shutdown Deadline
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President Biden will meet with top congressional leaders on Tuesday to pressure them to pass additional aid to Ukraine. This comes ahead of a partial government shutdown deadline this week.
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Biden has framed Ukraine aid as critical for national security interests both abroad and at home. His team aims to make clear the consequences of not providing more funding.
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National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan publicly called out House Speaker Kevin McCarthy by name for not yet putting the Senate-passed $60 billion Ukraine aid package to a House vote.
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McCarthy has signaled unwillingness to take up the Senate aid package amid pressure from his right flank to address U.S. border security concerns first.
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Despite bipartisan House support for Ukraine aid, McCarthy has to manage disagreements among House Republicans, some of whom staunchly oppose sending additional assistance.