Biden Announces Vital U.S. Security Interests in Supporting Israel and Ukraine, to Request Billions from Congress

Affirming that American leadership serves as a linchpin for global stability, President Joe Biden addressed the nation from the Oval Office, underlining the imperative of amplifying U.S. support for Ukraine and Israel amidst their distinct, volatile, and lethal conflicts.

Though Biden acknowledged the perception that such disputes may seem remote, he was unequivocal in stating that the stability of these regions is critical for U.S. national security. Consequently, he is gearing up to petition Congress for billions in military aid for both nations.

The president asserted that history has shown the dire consequences of not holding terrorists and aggressors accountable for their actions. Such lack of accountability, he warned, would escalate the cost and threats to both America and the global community.

In spite of domestic political opposition to further financial commitments, President Biden plans to request a budget of $105 billion. This includes $60 billion earmarked for Ukraine, primarily to restock previously provided U.S. military assets. The funding also designates $14 billion for Israel, $10 billion for humanitarian initiatives, $14 billion for U.S.-Mexico border management and combating fentanyl trafficking, and $7 billion for the Indo-Pacific region, including Taiwan. Biden believes that this comprehensive legislative package will garner the bipartisan support needed for congressional approval.

His address followed a diplomatically significant visit to Israel, where he not only expressed solidarity after the October 7 attack by Hamas but also advocated for increased humanitarian aid to Palestinians. As Israel continues its military operations in the Gaza Strip, President Biden emphasized his concern for civilian casualties, declaring that both Israelis and Palestinians deserve to live in safety and peace.

Simultaneously, the president cautioned Iran’s leadership for supporting entities like Hamas in Gaza and Russia’s actions in Ukraine. He stated that the United States will persist in holding them accountable for such actions.

As he prepares for a re-election campaign centered largely on the economy, Biden highlighted that the proposed expenditures would have a positive impact on domestic job creation, citing manufacturing opportunities in states like Arizona, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Texas.

Despite the legislative obstacles he faces—ranging from a leaderless House of Representatives to ideological divides within his own party—Biden remains committed to his funding request. It comes at a time when bipartisan support for Israel has waned and when conservative elements are wary of further military involvement in Ukraine.

Biden’s address from the Oval Office is one of the rare instances where he utilized this influential platform to capture the nation’s attention during a critical juncture. Senior administration officials have been discreetly briefing key lawmakers about the details of the proposed supplemental funding request. The Democratic-controlled Senate is expected to act swiftly in hopes that it will pressure the Republican-majority House to resolve its leadership issues and return to legislative business.

However, there are intra-Senate disagreements as well, with some Republicans opposing the bundling of aid for Israel and Ukraine. Others express conditional support contingent upon substantive policy changes concerning border security. Despite these political hurdles, the president is resolute in his strategy, reflecting his broader view that Asia, particularly China, represents America’s most significant geopolitical challenge in the long run.

Contributors to this report include Big Big News writers Matthew Lee, Mary Clare Jalonick, Kevin Freking, Darlene Superville, and AP media writer David Bauder.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Biden’s Congressional Funding Request for Israel and Ukraine

More about Biden’s Congressional Funding Request for Israel and Ukraine

• U.S. National Security Strategy 2022
• Congressional Budget Office: U.S. Military Funding
• U.S.-Ukraine Relations: Background and Current Issues
• U.S.-Israel Relationship: An Overview
• Iran’s Involvement in the Middle East: A Briefing
• Taiwan and U.S.-China Relations: A Primer
• U.S. Asylum Restrictions and Border Policy: Latest Updates
• Bipartisan Support for Israel: The Changing Landscape
• Ukraine-Russia Conflict: Timeline and Key Events