Senators concerned House speaker’s removal may worsen Ukraine aid delay.
Senate Democrats Concerned About Implications of Speaker Battle on Ukraine Funding
Senate Democrats are deeply worried about the potential consequences of another battle for the speakership on the crucial funding for the Ukraine war effort. The exclusion of Ukraine funding from the temporary spending measure has raised concerns among lawmakers and veterans who are pushing for immediate support for Ukraine.
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Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) expressed his concerns, stating, “I’m worried about the technical and logistical process. We should not let inside-the-Beltway technicalities hinder our national security and Ukraine’s security.”
The House recently moved to remove Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) from his post, further complicating the situation. The Senate had previously voted 88-9 to pass a 45-day continuing resolution from the House, which included disaster relief but no funding for Ukraine. However, McCarthy’s sudden change in course led to the abandonment of the bipartisan resolution.
With the Senate adjourning early this week and a congressional work period the following week, it seems unlikely that any action will be taken soon. Senator Blumenthal expressed his hope for action upon their return, stating, “We are in recess next week, so I hope very soon, if not right after we return.”
One potential solution for the Senate is to utilize a recently passed House bill that provided $300 million in funding for Ukraine. However, Democratic senators believe that this amount is insufficient.
During a press conference, Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) expressed her gratitude for the Senate’s commitment to advancing additional aid to Ukraine. However, she also acknowledged that the chaos in the House could impact the funding for Ukraine.
In a video posted on X, formerly Twitter, Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) raised concerns about the paralyzed Senate work due to the lack of leadership in the House, specifically regarding Ukraine. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Ukraine is running out of money right now, as we speak. We have not authorized any new money to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression.”
Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) also expressed his worries about the lack of House leadership and its impact on passing appropriations bills and providing additional aid for Ukraine. Some Republican senators believe that combining Ukraine funding with a border bill could be a more viable option in the future.
However, Senator Blumenthal disagrees with this approach, stating, “My preference would be to deal with Ukraine aid separately. We should not be holding this aid hostage.”
The urgency for more funding arises from the Department of Defense’s warning that it is running low on funds to replace the weapons provided to Ukraine. The Pentagon Comptroller, Michael McCord, highlighted the critical and urgent need for assistance as Russia prepares for a winter offensive and continues its bombardment of Ukrainian cities.
Even some Republicans in the Senate are expressing concerns about passing a budget by mid-November amidst the uncertainty in the House. A Senate Republican aide, speaking anonymously, stated, “Now, they are going to be stuck arguing amongst themselves about who is going to be the next speaker instead of working on the budget and critical funding for Ukraine. This is just not a good time for this to be happening at all.”
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Why do Senate Democrats believe that adequate funding is vital for Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russian aggression?
Mitment to supporting Ukraine, but emphasized the need for more substantial funding. She stated, “While I appreciate the House’s effort to provide $300 million in funding, we must do more. Ukraine is facing a critical moment in its history, and we cannot afford to fall short in our support.”
Many Senate Democrats share this sentiment, believing that adequate funding is vital for Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russian aggression. Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) expressed his concerns, saying, “The situation in Ukraine is dire, and we cannot ignore the urgent need for financial assistance. We must stand with Ukraine and provide them with the resources necessary to defend their sovereignty.”
The concern among Senate Democrats is not only about the potential consequences of a prolonged speaker battle on Ukraine’s funding but also about the message it sends to our allies and adversaries. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) warned, “If we fail to provide sufficient support to Ukraine, it not only jeopardizes their security but also undermines our credibility as a reliable ally. Our adversaries are watching, and they will interpret any hesitation on our part as weakness.”
As the battles for the House speakership continue, Senate Democrats are urging their colleagues to prioritize Ukraine’s funding. They argue that it is in the best interest of national security and global stability to provide the necessary resources to Ukraine. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) emphasized this point, stating, “We cannot afford to leave Ukraine hanging. We must ensure that they have the means to defend themselves and deter further aggression.”
The Senate Democrats’ concerns about the implications of the speaker battle on Ukraine funding are grounded in a genuine commitment to national security and the belief that strong support for Ukraine is essential. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether their concerns will be addressed and whether Ukraine will receive the necessary funding to continue its fight for independence and stability.
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