In an alarming report, Democratic Senator Brian Schatz revealed that Ukrainian soldiers are rationing ammunition and anxiously monitoring updates from US lawmakers regarding potential aid. Schatz expressed frustration over the Republican party’s hesitation to pass legislation that includes billions of dollars in additional funding for Ukraine. He urged his colleagues to “suck it up and pass the bill,” emphasizing the dire situation on the front lines where more people are dying and territory is being taken by Putin.
Last week, the Senate passed a $95 billion package with approximately $60 billion designated for Kyiv. However, House Speaker Mike Johnson indicated that the lower chamber would not take up that bill. Johnson has faced opposition from members of his own party threatening to oust him if he brings up additional aid to Ukraine. He had previously demanded that aid be linked to legislation supporting US border security but dismissed a bipartisan Senate bill aimed at achieving that objective.
Democrats have contemplated using a procedural technique called a discharge petition to bypass Johnson and bring the bill to the floor without his approval. However, this would require Republicans to support it, which may be challenging considering concerns among Democrats regarding support for Israel in the package. President Biden has been urging Congress for months to reauthorize aid to Ukraine, and the Pentagon has warned that current funding has run dry.
Ukraine has faced numerous setbacks on the battlefield against Russia, with Avdiivka being the latest city forced to retreat. President Zelensky expressed worries at the Munich Security Conference that Congress may not provide the replenishment of aid needed. House Intelligence Committee member Mike Turner confirmed Zelensky’s concerns and emphasized the potential gap in weapons reaching Ukraine due to the delay.
President Biden has assured Zelensky that supplemental support will be approved, expressing confidence during a recent conversation. A Pew Research survey revealed that 74% of Americans consider the war in Ukraine important to national interests, with 43% characterizing it as “very important.”
There have been attempts to reconcile differences between Johnson and Biden, but the White House has reportedly declined a meeting. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has indicated that the possibility of deploying a discharge petition remains on the table.
The situation in Ukraine is critical, with soldiers rationing ammunition and waiting anxiously for aid from the United States. It is imperative for Congress to set aside their differences and pass the bill that would provide much-needed support to Ukraine’s defense against Russia. The war in Ukraine is not only significant to national interests but also a humanitarian concern. The fate of Ukraine and its people hangs in the balance as they continue to face aggression and territorial losses.
