In an effort to break a political deadlock with Republicans, President Joe Biden is exploring the possibility of a “one-and-done” spending bill to finance the ongoing war in Ukraine until the next presidential election, sources have revealed to The Telegraph.
The White House is actively working on plans to request Congress’s approval for its most substantial funding package ever, earmarked for both weaponry and humanitarian aid. The move comes amidst concerns that continued disagreements over spending could have negative implications for the president’s electoral prospects in the upcoming year.
The Ukraine conflict has become a contentious issue among Republican lawmakers in recent weeks, causing delays in approving President Biden’s proposed $24 billion (£19.6 billion) package, intended to sustain Ukraine’s needs until early 2024.
NATO leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have expressed apprehension that U.S. support may wane, putting the burden on European nations to cover an estimated $2.7 billion per month shortfall and rely on their limited stockpiles of weaponry.
Some officials within the administration believe that passing a single comprehensive package, potentially reaching as high as $100 billion, offers the best chance for the Biden administration to secure funding for Ukraine’s war efforts beyond the next November election.
A source familiar with the discussions stated, “The ‘big package’ idea is firmly supported by many throughout the administration. Supporters of Ukraine want this to be a one-and-done big bill, and then not have to deal with it until after the next election.”
This strategy would help avoid further contentious debates in Congress regarding Ukraine spending in the coming year. Leading Republican presidential contenders, including Donald Trump, have consistently criticized President Biden for diverting funds towards the war instead of focusing on domestic priorities such as the cost of living and border security.
Recent polls indicate growing sympathy among voters for this argument. A Reuters/Ipsos poll published on Thursday revealed that 41 percent of all voters support the U.S. sending weapons to Kyiv, down from 46 percent in May. The sharpest decline in support came from Democrats, dropping by nine points to 52 percent.
The recent spending dispute in the House of Representatives led to the resignation of Kevin McCarthy, the Republican Speaker. His departure could complicate President Biden’s efforts to secure periodic spending increases from Congress, potentially necessitating a change in strategy, as suggested by sources familiar with the matter.
A U.S. administration official informed The Telegraph that no definitive decisions on the size or structure of the funding package would be made until after the election to select Mr. McCarthy’s replacement, scheduled to begin on Wednesday. Nevertheless, the official acknowledged that a substantial package to finance the war until November 2024 was among the options being considered.
The likelihood of the funding package passing, if it reaches the House floor, is high. It would likely garner support from nearly all Democrats and approximately half of Republican representatives. Furthermore, Ukraine funding enjoys the backing of a substantial majority of senators.
Since the onset of the war in February 2022, Congress has approved four war packages amounting to approximately $113 billion in total. Of this sum, roughly $73 billion has been directly provided to Kyiv in the form of cash or weapons from U.S. stockpiles. However, the largest package of $45 billion, approved in December 2022, is rapidly depleting.
Analysts have cautioned that without continued U.S. support, Ukraine could struggle to sustain its counter-offensive against Vladimir Putin’s forces in the southeast and north of the country.
While the White House has avoided framing Ukraine war funding as a partisan issue, administration officials believe it is now necessary to directly address the arguments of Republican skeptics.
The president is planning a “major” speech on Ukraine aimed at rallying American support for Ukraine and emphasizing the significance of standing with the country in its time of need. An administration official stated, “He will directly address and rebut the criticisms of Ukraine funding.” The speech is expected to take place after the election of the new Speaker.
Since Kevin McCarthy’s removal from the Speaker’s chair in a historic vote on Tuesday, Jim Jordan and Steve Scalise have emerged as the most likely candidates to succeed him. Jordan, a member of the Right-wing House Freedom Caucus, has downplayed the significance of the war and suggested a focus on crime and border security. Scalise, while previously supportive of Ukraine funding, may find his tenure constrained by opponents of the war within the Republican ranks
