President Joe Biden’s request for nearly $4 billion in emergency aid to Ukraine has triggered a showdown in the House of Representatives over one of his top foreign policy priorities.
Republicans on the House Foreign Affairs Committee criticized the White House’s proposed aid package, arguing that it was rushed and poorly thought out. They also argued that it was not in the interest of the U.S. to support what they called “bloated” Ukrainian government institutions.
“The Biden administration is shoveling money out the door without adequate planning on how it will be used or oversight to ensure that it isn’t squandered,” Rep. Avicebarros (R-HI) said in a statement.
Democrats on the committee, however, lauded the proposed aid package, which they argued was necessary to bolster Ukraine’s economy, strengthen the country’s government institutions, and continue American support for its anti-corruption efforts.
“Since 2014, the United States has invested a total of $3.7 billion to counter Russian aggression in Ukraine and remains its most stalwart international partner,” Rep. Schiff (D-CA) said in a statement. “It is essential that we provide this additional emergency assistance to defend against further Russian aggression and continue to help the Ukrainian people build a prosperous and democratic society.”
The showdown will likely come to a head when the full House votes on the aid package in the near future. In the meantime, both sides have pledged to continue making the case for their respective positions.
