Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell urged lawmakers to continue supporting Ukraine and criticized President Biden for not being decisive enough in response to Russian aggression, emphasizing the importance of aiding Ukraine in weakening Russia without military conflict. McConnell's stance contrasts with some Republicans who have called for reducing aid to Ukraine. The Biden administration has requested roughly $40 billion in supplemental funding, with about half of it allocated for Ukraine. McConnell stated that lawmakers will have the opportunity to vote on this aid when considering a short-term spending deal.
A bipartisan group of Senators and House members are pushing for legislation that would automatically fund the government past spending deadlines, effectively ending shutdown threats.
Senate Democrats and Republicans have reached a short-term funding deal that would fund the government for six weeks while providing additional funding for Ukraine and domestic disaster relief, clearing its first procedural hurdle with a vote of 77-19, but its future in the House is uncertain.
Top U.S. Senate leaders express bipartisan commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty, pledging to ensure sustained support in defense and economic matters, while Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin urges Congress to provide aid for Ukraine.
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.
Lawmakers are preparing for a supplemental funding request from the White House for additional aid to Israel and Ukraine amid ongoing conflicts in both countries.
