US Senate Republican leader says it's almost impossible to approve aid to Ukraine before Christmas
The US Congress is unlikely to approve an additional funding package for Ukraine before Christmas, even if the two parties reach a deal in the coming days that includes it, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell has said.
Source: European Pravda, citing Reuters
Quote from McConnell: "(It) is practically impossible – even if we reach an agreement – to craft it, get it through the Senate, get to the House, before Christmas."
Details: The official added that there would be no final agreement on aid to Ukraine, Israel and the Indo-Pacific region unless US President Joe Biden fully engages in negotiations with Senate Republicans to include provisions restricting migrant flows across the US-Mexico border.
Quote: "There won't be a deal until Joe Biden and Republicans reach an agreement. Without him, there is no deal."
Details: The news agency reported that the House of Representatives and the Senate will take a Christmas break after 14 December. Both chambers are due to reconvene in the second week of January 2024.
Background:
- Earlier, the US President approved the allocation of military aid to Ukraine totalling US$200 million, which included "critical equipment, additional air defence, interceptors, artillery and ammunition".
- The US Congress has not yet approved Biden's request for additional funding to help Ukraine due to resistance from some Republicans. On 6 December, a bill to provide aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan failed to pass a procedural vote in the Senate.
- Sources say the Biden administration is considering concessions on migration policy in order to secure new aid for Ukraine and Israel in the supplemental funding bill.
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