White House asks Congress for more than $37 billion in new Ukraine aid
Mike Brest
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The White House requested Congress approve another $37.7 billion in additional aid for Ukraine on Tuesday.
The Biden administration is requesting $21.7 billion in defense aid to continue providing equipment to Ukraine and to replenish depleted U.S. stockpiles, $14.5 million for direct budget support, $626 million to provide nuclear security support, and another $900 million for healthcare and support services.
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“Since the beginning of Putin’s war, the United States has rallied the world to support Ukraine,” Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young wrote in a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) requesting the funds. “Together, with strong, bipartisan support in Congress, we have provided significant assistance that has been critical to Ukraine’s success on the battlefield — and we cannot let that support run dry.”
Young said that roughly 75% of the money previously allocated by Congress for Ukraine has been disbursed or committed, with more expected to follow by the year’s end, and, “That is why we are urging the Congress to provide additional appropriations to ensure Ukraine has the funding, weapons, and support it needs to defend itself, and that vulnerable people continue to receive lifesaving aid.”
The request from the administration comes as Republicans are on the verge of clinching a majority in the House following last week’s midterm elections. There have been some House Republicans who have opposed providing additional aid to Ukraine, though a significant majority of the caucus voted in favor of previous aid bills.
“These guys don’t get it. It’s a lot bigger than Ukraine,” President Joe Biden said in response to comments from House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) about not providing Ukraine with a “blank check,” last month. “It’s Eastern Europe. It’s NATO. It’s really serious, serious consequential outcomes.”
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The Biden administration has provided more than $18 billion worth of military aid to Ukraine since Russia invaded in late February. The U.S. most recently announced its latest package on Friday valued at roughly $400 million.
The White House also requested an unspecified amount of aid for natural disaster relief to help Florida and Puerto rebuild from national disasters.