Legislation and policies are needed that prioritize economic responsibility to ensure the prosperity and well-being of future generations
The U.S. should support Ukraine’s war against Russia for as long as the Ukrainians continue to fight.
Ukraine is a fledgling democracy and we should support countries that share our democratic values. Withdrawing support would discourage allies and encourage actions by other authoritarian regimes such as an invasion of Taiwan by China. A large portion of U.S. defense spending is to deter our primary adversaries, Russia and China. Supporting Ukraine weakens Russia without U.S. boots on the ground and we receive comprehensive data regarding Russian war tactics.
In October, the White House submitted a $105.8 billion “emergency supplemental funding request” to Congress for “Ukraine Military, Economic, & Humanitarian Aid ($61.4 billion); Israel Military & Humanitarian Aid ($14.3 billion); Border Security ($13.6 billion); Humanitarian Aid for Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, and others ($11.2 billion); Indo-Pacific Aid & Submarine Capacity ($5.4 billion).” [1] As of mid-January, Congress had not approved the funding request with the $61.4 billion Ukrainian aid package, of which at least $25 billion would go to U.S. military personnel and to U.S. companies to replenish U.S. military supplies.
Mitch McConnell elaborated on Ukrainian funding issues and concerns in late October, shortly after the emergency supplemental funding request was submitted to Congress by the White House. The Republican Senate Minority Leader from Kentucky strongly advocated for the Ukrainian aid package:
““This is a moment for swift and decisive action to prevent further loss of life, and to impose real consequences on the tyrants who have terrorized the people of Ukraine and of Israel. And right now, the Senate has a chance to produce supplemental assistance that will help us do exactly that,”
McConnell said.
“Enemies abroad will be watching closely and waiting for America to falter. Only our concrete and credible support can deter our adversaries in the future and restore security.”
He tied aggression against Israel and Ukraine together, telling attendees,
“Think of it as an axis of evil: China, Russia and Iran. So this is not just a test for Ukraine. It is a test for the United States and from the free world. And the path toward greater security for all of us is simple: Help Ukraine win the war.”
….
McConnell pushed back on the members of his own party who have argued against further aid for Ukraine.
“Some say our support for Ukraine comes at the expense of more important priorities. But as I say every time I’ve got the chance, this is a false choice,” he said. “If Russia prevails, there’s no question that Putin’s appetite for empire will actually extend into NATO, raising the threat to the US trans-Atlantic alliance, and the risk of war for us.”” [2]
1. “What’s in the White House’s $106 Billion Supplemental Request?”, Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget blog, October 24, 2023 https://www.crfb.org/blogs/whats-white-houses-106-billion-supplemental-request
2. “Mitch McConnell advocates for Ukraine aid, despite House GOP push for standalone Israel package”, October 30, 2023. https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/30/politics/mitch-mcconnell-ukraine-aid/index.html