Biden Advocates for Wartime Aid to Israel and Ukraine in Primetime Address
In a significant Oval Office address, President Joe Biden emphasized the importance of supporting Israel and Ukraine, two democracies he believes are under severe threat. Drawing parallels between the challenges faced by both nations, Biden described the current global scenario as a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle between democracies and autocracies.
Biden highlighted the shared ambitions of Hamas and Putin, both of whom, he stated, aim to obliterate neighboring democracies. He urged the nation to rise above partisan politics and prioritize national responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of American leadership and alliances in maintaining global stability.
The President underscored the significance of supporting both wars, deeming them crucial for America's national security. He warned of the escalating threats posed by unchecked terrorists and tyrants, cautioning that Putin's ambitions might not be limited to Ukraine. Biden also expressed concerns about potential global repercussions if the U.S. were to abandon Ukraine.
In light of these challenges, the White House is set to request over $100 billion from Congress to provide aid to Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and the US-Mexico border. This comes at a time when the House of Representatives is grappling with internal dysfunction. The funding package is expected to include a significant increase in border security funding, with the new proposal covering fiscal year 2024.
Biden announced an "urgent budget request" for supplemental funding, emphasizing the long-term benefits of such an investment for American security. However, the path forward for this package remains uncertain due to the ongoing leadership crisis in the House and concerns about federal spending levels.
Previously, in August, the Biden administration had sought $24.1 billion to assist Ukraine, a request that Congress did not approve. Reiterating his stance on the Ukraine conflict, Biden confirmed that he would not deploy American troops to the region. Instead, he emphasized Ukraine's need for weapons and resources to defend against Russian aggression.
Biden also linked military aid to the American economy, highlighting the role of U.S. workers in producing defense equipment. He drew attention to the production of defense items like Patriot missiles and artillery shells across various U.S. states.
Public opinion on U.S. assistance remains divided. While there is widespread sympathy for Israel following attacks by Hamas, opinions on the appropriate level of U.S. involvement are split. The U.S. has consistently provided security assistance to Israel, with the new request seeking additional funding. Conversely, public support for aid to Ukraine has diminished since Russia's invasion in February 2022. The partisan divide on this issue is evident, with a majority of Republicans opposing further funding for Ukraine, while most Democrats are in favor.
To date, the U.S. has provided over $75 billion in funding to Ukraine following Russia's invasion, as reported by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy.