A slim possibility exists for Congress to approve President Biden’s request for $24 billion in funding related to Ukraine, especially since House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has suggested postponing any new funding until President-elect Trump assumes office.
Proponents of Ukraine in Congress are relying on strong bipartisan backing to push the funding request through along with a stop-gap government funding bill. Some Republicans, traditionally aligned with Trump, are now looking to use American support for Ukraine as leverage to initiate discussions with Russia aimed at ending the conflict.
When asked about Johnson’s resistance to Biden’s $24 billion aid proposal, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), who will soon lead the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, criticized the Speaker’s understanding of the situation.
Johnson postpones Ukraine aid, signaling a wait for Trump’s presidency
She highlighted the ongoing bipartisan support for the funding, referencing the backing from influential figures such as Former Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.).
On Wednesday, Johnson dismissed Biden’s funding request, asserting that the newly elected president’s direction would be awaited before proceeding, indicating that he does not foresee any movement on Ukraine funding at this time.
Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), the outgoing chair of the Foreign Relations Committee, expressed skepticism about the likelihood of securing additional Ukraine funding during this Congress. He stated his strong support for assisting Ukraine while also recognizing the unlikeliness of securing consistent funding for fiscal year 2025.
Similarly, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Trump’s nominee for Secretary of State, acknowledged the rising skepticism among Trump-aligned Republicans regarding further U.S. financial commitments to Ukraine.
He noted the increasing reluctance regarding financial support and mentioned that while the last vote was close, securing approval this time would likely be even more challenging, although he could not predict the outcome.
In April, Rubio was among 18 Senators who opposed a $95 billion aid package that included support for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, emphasizing his demand for Biden to prioritize border security. While the package finally passed, the majority of House Republicans opposed a standalone bill focused solely on Ukraine aid.
According to the White House, the April vote provided essential security assistance through 2024, while the recent funding request aims to address needs through 2025, with a huge portion dedicated to U.S. manufacturing.
This request includes $16 billion to replenish U.S. weapons stockpiles sent to Ukraine and $8 billion for new U.S. military production contracts for future weapon deliveries to Ukraine. A U.S. official explained that this approach not only supports Ukraine and undermines Russian military capabilities but also bolsters U.S. military readiness through investments in the domestic defense industry and modernization efforts.
Military leaders have indicated the necessity of replenishing U.S. stockpiles, which have been depleted through assistance to Ukraine and support for Israel despite its prolonged conflict with Hamas, Hezbollah, and other Iranian-backed groups.
Admiral Samuel Paparo, who commands U.S. Naval Forces in the Indo-Pacific, noted last month that providing Patriot air defense interceptors and air-to-air missiles to both Ukraine and Israel has begun to reduce U.S. military stocks. He expressed concern over the current inventory depth, calling for an increase to ensure adequate supplies.
Trump remains a vocal critic of U.S. financial contributions to Ukraine and has pledged to resolve Russia’s aggression against Ukraine either before or shortly after taking office. Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s choice to lead negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, suggested that withholding military aid could compel Ukraine to participate in peace discussions.
The most feasible route for additional Ukraine assistance appears to be tying it to a continuing resolution that Congress must pass by December 20 to prevent a government shutdown. Congressional leaders from both parties are optimistic about avoiding a funding gap, but negotiations indicate that another Biden funding request for nationwide disaster relief efforts is taking precedence in budget discussions.
Rubio critiques Biden’s aid request, highlighting border security concerns
House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole (R-Okla.) remained noncommittal about the administration’s Ukraine funding request in comments made earlier this week, stating he had yet to review the proposal, although he reiterated his ongoing support for Ukraine. He also mentioned that Congress would not act on such matters without consulting the incoming administration.
Over the past nearly three years of conflict, the U.S. has supplied around $100 billion in aid to Ukraine, complemented by approximately $150 billion from European nations. Asian allies, including Japan and South Korea, have also extended support to Ukraine, with Taiwan providing humanitarian aid.
Military support from the U.S. is deemed crucial for equipping Ukraine’s armed forces to counteract Russian aggression effectively. Presently, there is a pressing need for air defense systems to shield Ukraine’s electrical infrastructure from Russian strikes, particularly as winter approaches.
Doug Klain, a non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center, highlighted the dire situation Ukrainians face this winter, which is expected to be cold and potentially dark. The Biden administration is concluding about $6 billion in funding from an earlier supplemental package that enables the U.S. to draw directly from its own weapon stockpiles for Ukrainian assistance.
However, the Pentagon is hesitant to transfer supplies without assurance of replenishment, increasing the likelihood that Trump will inherit substantial military aid commitments to Ukraine that he may decide to delay. Klain reiterated the urgent need for enhanced air defense, noting that this requirement has persisted for three years and is particularly critical as winter looms.
He also criticized the Biden administration’s messaging surrounding the $24 billion funding package, arguing that it failed to adequately convey the importance of replenishing U.S. military stocks and investing in American jobs and manufacturing. Klain stated that the overall presentation of this supplemental request has been misleading, which could diminish its chances of approval.
