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Speaker Johnson’s Firm Stance on Ukraine Funding and Border Security

(Worthy News) – Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-La) sent a letter today, reiterating to the Biden Administration that funding for the Ukraine war would not be authorized unless the Biden Administration takes action to address issues at the nation’s border.

The White House’s Office of Management and Budget sent a letter to congressional leaders asking them to approve a $106 billion supplemental aid request, cautioning that Ukraine is at risk of significant losses unless new U.S. aid is approved this year.

However, Speaker Johnson has explicitly expressed his reluctance to bring the administration’s package to the floor. Instead, he adopted a strategy of passing the approximately $14 billion in Israel aid as a standalone bill a month ago, with money taken away from IRS funding.

In response to the Biden administration addressing Congress’ funding concerns for Israel, Speaker Johnson highlighted that the House of Representatives had approved the Israel Security Appropriations Act (HR 6126) a month prior. He emphasized that Senate Democrats were responsible for the funding delay, with all 51 Democrats voting to block consideration of the bill.

Ukraine officials are visiting Capitol Hill today amid escalating concerns about Kyiv’s struggle against Russia, which faces increasing peril without additional U.S. assistance, nevertheless the Speaker has reiterated his position in addressing funding for the war in Ukraine.

In an letter to the Biden Administration, Speaker Johnson reminded the White House of a discussion held in the Situation Room on October 26, 2023, outlining two prerequisites for Ukraine war funding. The first condition pertains to the security at the nation’s border, while the second demands critical answers regarding the requested funds.

“First, I explained that supplemental Ukraine funding is dependent upon enactment of transformative change to our nation’s border security laws. The House of Representatives has led in defining reforms to secure America’s borders and passed H.R. 2, the Secure Border Act of 2023, more than six months ago. Senate Democrats have refused to act on that bill,” Speaker Johnson stated.

“Second, I explained that Congress and the American people must be provided with answers to our repeated questions concerning: the Administration’s strategy to prevail in Ukraine; clearly defined and obtainable objectives; transparency and accountability for U.S. taxpayer dollars invested there; and what specific resources are required to achieve victory and a sustainable peace,” Speaker Johnson continued.

Speaker Johnson has drawn a clear boundary, insisting that the Biden Administration provide well-defined objectives for the Ukraine war and tackle the challenges at the nation’s border.

“The open U.S. border is an unconscionable and unsustainable catastrophe, and we have a moral responsibility to insist this madness stops immediately. Rather than engaging with Congressional Republicans to discuss logistical reforms, the Biden Administration has ignored reality, choosing instead to engage in political posturing. We stand ready and willing to work with the Administration on a robust border security package that protects the interests of the American people. It is well past time for the Administration to meaningfully engage with us,” Johnson concluded.

White House Responds

On Tuesday, Principal Deputy Press Secretary Olivia Dalton emphasized the urgency for Congress to approve funding for Ukraine promptly.

“If Republicans want to have a serious conversation about immigration reform, we’re ready to do that,” she said. “But we also need them to move expeditiously and take action now to find our critical national security needs.”