Speaker Mike Johnson has rejected the Biden administration’s request to include $24 billion in Ukraine-related aid in the upcoming short-term spending bill, intensifying the political battle over funding as Congress faces a December 20 deadline to avoid a government shutdown.
The proposed aid package, pitched by the Office of Management and Budget, would provide emergency Pentagon funding to supply weapons and equipment for Ukraine while replenishing U.S. military stockpiles. However, Johnson made it clear on Wednesday that he has no intention of attaching the funding to the stopgap bill.
“I’m not planning to do that,” Johnson told reporters. “There are developments by the hour in Ukraine. It is not the place of Joe Biden to make that decision now. We have a newly elected president, and we’re going to wait and take the new commander-in-chief’s direction on all of that. So I don’t expect any Ukraine funding to come up now.”
Ukraine Aid Hits a Roadblock
The Speaker’s refusal to consider the funding has sparked concern among lawmakers who support continued assistance to Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. With the Biden administration warning of dwindling resources for Ukraine, Johnson’s stance reflects a growing divide in Congress over U.S. involvement in the war.
While some Republicans support the aid package, others, particularly members of the Freedom Caucus, remain staunchly opposed, arguing that domestic priorities should take precedence. Conservatives are also wary of including additional disaster relief funding without identifying offsets, further complicating negotiations.
Stopgap Spending Bill Looms
Congress has until December 20 to pass a spending measure and prevent a government shutdown. Though some Republicans are pushing for a broader agreement to fund the government through September, Johnson indicated that the stopgap bill will likely extend funding into March. Others argue for a shorter timeline, suggesting a January expiration that would align with former President Donald Trump’s legislative priorities for 2025.
Johnson’s challenge lies in navigating a fractured House Republican caucus, where a handful of conservatives often oppose stopgap funding measures. To avert a shutdown, Johnson is expected to rely on Democratic votes, a move that could further expose divisions within the GOP.
Political and Global Implications
The delay in Ukraine aid comes at a critical moment in the war, with Ukrainian forces relying on continued U.S. support to maintain their defense against Russia. Critics argue that withholding the funding undermines America’s commitments to its allies and emboldens adversaries like Russia.
Proponents of Johnson’s decision argue that Congress should reevaluate its foreign aid priorities and focus on addressing domestic concerns. “We need accountability and oversight before sending another dime overseas,” a Freedom Caucus member said on Tuesday.
As Congress inches closer to the holiday deadline, the political clash over Ukraine funding underscores broader ideological rifts within Washington and raises questions about the future of U.S. foreign policy under new leadership.
