Could US Aid To Israel And Ukraine Be Tied Together? All We Know So Far

The White House and key lawmakers in Congress are reviewing the possibility of linking aid to Israel with more funding for Ukraine as a strategy to pass both spending priorities, according to an administration official and two Republican lawmakers.

Lawmakers in both parties have suggested the approach as a potential way to secure additional funding for the Kyiv government despite opposition from some Republicans in the House and the Senate. Nonetheless, ultimately the decision will be up to Congress.

“We Are A Large Enough … Country To Be Able To Support Both”

A group of House conservatives has steadfastly opposed new funding for Ukraine, which the Biden administration has requested. However, aid to Israel in the wake of Hamas’ brutal attack on Israelis is seen as less likely to face such a struggle in Congress.

“Both are important, and we are a large enough, big enough, economically viable and vibrant enough country to be able to support both,” the National Security Council’s coordinator for strategic communications, Adm John Kirby, said Monday.

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Congress Facing A Mid-november Deadline To Fund Government

The debate on US aid to Ukraine has garnered greater prominence lately as California Republican Kevin McCarthy was ousted last Tuesday, just days after working with House Democrats to pass a stopgap bill, that didn’t include any new funding for Kyiv.

His abrupt removal added further uncertainty to the outlook for US assistance for Ukrainians. The short-term spending bill averted a government shutdown, with the Congress now facing a mid-November deadline to fund the federal government.

“This Is A Moment Where American Leadership Matters”

While the Biden administration has already rushed additional military aid to Israel in its war against the Palestinian Islamist militant group, the White House expects action from Congress will be required for some of the additional help Israel might need.

With strong Democratic support and significant GOP backing, there is a broad bipartisan consensus for assisting both Israel and Ukraine. “This is a moment where American leadership matters,” Rep Ro Khanna, D-Calif, who is on the Armed Services Committee, told NBC News.