LOGIN

The Collapse of a $6 Billion Ukraine Aid Package Despite Congressional Support

by Chloe Baker
10 comments
Ukraine Aid Collapse in Congress

The failure of a $6 billion aid package for Ukraine in the U.S. Congress was a long time coming, confirming the fears of Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell. McConnell had cautioned that the political backing for Ukraine was at risk, as a vocal but small faction within the Republican Party ramped up their opposition to allocating U.S. funds for Ukraine’s struggle against Russia.

Throughout the summer, McConnell used both public speeches and private communications with the White House to direct the more conservative elements of his party towards supporting aid for Ukraine. Despite his efforts, as well as those from the White House and Congressional Democrats, the reduced aid package failed to secure approval in the agreement reached last week to prevent a U.S. government shutdown.

Even though there was significant bipartisan agreement in Washington to counter Russian President Vladimir Putin’s incursions, the inability to secure funding for Ukraine marks a notable defeat for an administration looking to lead a Western coalition in support of Ukraine’s nascent democracy. This failure also highlights the challenges that lie ahead, as a hardened minority of Republican lawmakers, many of whom align with Donald Trump, have demonstrated their capacity to thwart majority will. The future course of action remains uncertain.

Last week, President Joe Biden acknowledged the situation, expressing his concern while noting the majority support for Ukraine aid within both the House and Senate. Biden also disclosed plans for an upcoming speech on U.S. assistance to Ukraine, aimed at ensuring a consistent flow of support following the legislative impasse.

The deadlock in Washington has led to a blame game, focused on the inability of both the White House and Congress to navigate a small but growing faction of lawmakers who oppose foreign aid. Several have called for focusing financial resources domestically, notably on border security.

For months, McConnell had been actively campaigning to gather support for Ukraine, especially following his visit to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. His endeavors came to naught when it became evident that the aid package would not pass in Congress, according to an anonymous source.

A week before the funding deadline, McConnell informed Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, that the full $24 billion request was unfeasible. Instead, he urged the White House to consider existing channels for transferring or reprogramming funds as a temporary measure.

While discussions about reduced aid were taking place, Senate Democrats did not prioritize Ukraine aid during the budgetary wranglings, further complicating the matter. Simultaneously, difficulties arose in the Republican-controlled House, where hardliners forced the removal of $300 million in Ukraine security assistance from an annual defense bill, exemplifying the party’s growing internal divide.

The situation reached a critical point as the deadline to avoid a government shutdown loomed. Faced with a lack of support within his caucus, McConnell changed his stance, leading to the final bill that excluded Ukraine aid.

In the wake of this legislative drama, it became apparent that House Speaker Kevin McCarthy had provided commitments beyond what was formalized in the funding package. While McCarthy denied any “secret deal,” he stated that provisions for fund transfers to Ukraine would be maintained and clarified if necessary. However, McCarthy was subsequently ousted from his position due to longstanding leadership issues, leaving the future of Ukraine aid in a state of limbo.

As the political landscape shifts, the White House is awaiting the election of a new House Speaker and is collaborating with Congress to ensure the possibility of fund transfers and to generate new avenues of support for Ukraine.


Contributions to this report were made by Big Big News writer Mary Clare Jalonick.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ukraine Aid Collapse in Congress

What led to the collapse of the $6 billion Ukraine aid package in Congress?

The collapse was a culmination of factors, including a small but vocal faction within the Republican Party that opposed allocating U.S. funds for Ukraine’s struggle against Russia. Despite efforts from Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, the White House, and Congressional Democrats, the reduced $6 billion aid package failed to secure approval in the agreement reached to prevent a U.S. government shutdown.

Why did Mitch McConnell try to secure the aid for Ukraine?

Mitch McConnell had been an advocate for supporting Ukraine, particularly after visiting the country’s capital, Kyiv. He had been warning that political support for Ukraine was at risk and spent months trying to build backing for the aid among his colleagues and within his party.

Did President Joe Biden comment on the failure to secure aid for Ukraine?

Yes, President Joe Biden expressed his concern about the situation. He noted that there was majority support for Ukraine aid within both the House and Senate and disclosed plans for an upcoming speech on U.S. assistance to Ukraine.

Were there any other political figures prominently involved in the matter?

Yes, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy was a significant player. His ousting from the office over long-standing complaints about his leadership has left the future of Ukraine aid uncertain.

What is the broader implication of the collapse of the Ukraine aid package?

The failure to secure funding for Ukraine highlights challenges in U.S. foreign policy and the ability of a minority faction within the Republican Party to thwart majority will. It also presents difficulties for an administration looking to lead a Western coalition in support of Ukraine.

Is there a future plan to resolve this deadlock?

The White House is awaiting the election of a new House Speaker and is collaborating with Congress to ensure the possibility of fund transfers and to find new ways to support Ukraine. President Joe Biden also has plans for a major speech addressing U.S. aid to Ukraine.

Were any lawmakers explicitly against the aid for Ukraine?

Yes, some lawmakers like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a top ally of Donald Trump, have explicitly stated their opposition to Ukraine aid, arguing that resources should be focused on domestic issues, such as securing the U.S. border with Mexico.

What was the initial funding request for Ukraine aid?

The White House initially requested $24 billion for Ukraine aid. However, due to lack of support, this figure was later scaled back to $6 billion in an effort to secure approval.

Was the Ukraine aid package a bipartisan issue?

Despite the failure to pass the aid package, there was significant bipartisan agreement to counter Russian incursions into Ukraine. The inability to secure the funding, however, indicates internal divisions within both major parties.

Who were the key figures opposed to the aid within the Republican Party?

A hardened minority of Republican lawmakers, many of whom align with Donald Trump, have demonstrated their capacity to thwart majority will. Specific names include Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and other hard-liners in the House.

More about Ukraine Aid Collapse in Congress

  • U.S. Congress Official Website
  • Mitch McConnell’s Statements on Ukraine
  • White House Briefing on Ukraine Aid
  • Kevin McCarthy’s Congressional Record
  • Overview of Russia-Ukraine Conflict
  • Joe Biden’s Foreign Policy Stance on Ukraine
  • Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Voting Record on Foreign Aid
  • Bipartisan Efforts on Ukraine Aid in Congress
  • Government Shutdown Explained
  • The Role of Foreign Aid in U.S. Policy

You may also like

10 comments

CryptoFan101 October 7, 2023 - 2:16 pm

McConnell warning everyone months before and still nothing… Just shows how ineffective our govt can be. Maybe if we had smart contracts in govt, we’d get stuff done, lol.

Reply
GlobalThinker October 7, 2023 - 3:02 pm

It’s a shame the aid didn’t go through. It has larger implications for democracy and freedom, beyond just Ukraine.

Reply
ConcernedCitizen October 7, 2023 - 3:46 pm

Where does Biden stand in all this? Says he’s gonna make a speech, but I wanna see action, not just words.

Reply
JohnDoe42 October 7, 2023 - 5:02 pm

Can’t believe they couldn’t pass that aid bill. This is exactly why people get frustrated with politics. no one can agree on anything even when it’s super important!

Reply
JaneDoe89 October 8, 2023 - 3:39 am

With McCarthy out, I wonder what that means for the future of Ukraine aid. Seems like everything’s up in the air rn.

Reply
BudgetHawk October 8, 2023 - 5:30 am

24 billion initial ask was way too high, no wonder it got scaled back. Even then, couldn’t get it through. What a mess.

Reply
TruePatriot October 8, 2023 - 7:16 am

Why cant we just focus on our own borders, like Marjorie Taylor Greene said. we keep sending money abroad and forget our own probs.

Reply
PoliticalJunkie October 8, 2023 - 10:18 am

This is one of those moments when you really see the divide within parties, not just between em. McConnell and Greene couldn’t be more different, even tho they’re in the same party.

Reply
PollyTalks October 8, 2023 - 11:10 am

When McConnell is the voice of reason, you know things are upside down. But even he couldnt sway his own party. just wow.

Reply
Realist101 October 8, 2023 - 11:30 am

This is just how politics works, guys. Everyone has their own agenda and getting anything done is a miracle, honestly.

Reply

Leave a Comment

BNB – Big Big News is a news portal that offers the latest news from around the world. BNB – Big Big News focuses on providing readers with the most up-to-date information from the U.S. and abroad, covering a wide range of topics, including politics, sports, entertainment, business, health, and more.

Editors' Picks

Latest News