US lawmakers divided over Ukraine, Israel

2024-03-09 15:39:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

In his State of the Union address, US President Joe Biden asked the Senate to approve a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, the countries of the Indo-Pacific region, Israel and humanitarian operations in Gaza. The bill faces opposition in the Republican-majority House of Representatives. VOA correspondent Katherine Gypson asked lawmakers if they changed their minds after hearing the President's speech.

Aid to Ukraine was at the center of President Biden's State of the Union address this year.

"Ukraine can stop Putin if we support him and give him the weapons he needs to defend himself," declared President Biden.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has refused to put the $95 billion aid bill passed by the Senate on the voting calendar, disappointing Democratic lawmakers.

"If funding for Ukraine is included in the work program of the House of Representatives, then it will be approved overwhelmingly," says Democratic lawmaker Don Beyer.

Aid to Ukraine is also supported by many Republican lawmakers.

"I think there is a moral objective. I think there is a strategic reason for doing this. "We have a world that looks a lot like 1938, with old dictators who are totally interested in the genocide that caused World War II," says Republican lawmaker Jake Ellzey.

But other Republican lawmakers say they will send further aid to Ukraine only if more funds are also given to strengthen security on the US-Mexico border.

"Talking about Ukraine's borders - what about our borders? I would say, for example, as a compromise, we can give one dollar for our southern border for every dollar we give for Ukraine," says Republican lawmaker Doug LaMalfa.

Republican senators earlier this year rejected a bipartisan deal of more than $20 billion for border security. Republican lawmakers say they will send new aid to Ukraine only if the budget for security measures on the US-Mexico border is increased.

During his speech on Thursday, President Biden announced new efforts to send aid to civilians in Gaza.

"A temporary port will enable a massive increase in aid entering Gaza every day," President Biden said.

But several Republican lawmakers told VOA that aid to Palestinian civilians will not be enough to resolve the conflict.

"Hamas is a force of evil. Do I want a truce? Yes, I want a truce once Hamas is wiped off the face of the earth," says Republican lawmaker Buddy Carter.

Republicans also criticize President Biden's proposal for a two-state solution.

"As long as Hamas is allowed to operate on the outskirts of Israel, we will continue to have this problem. And meanwhile the Americans give aid to Gaza. Where is Iran? Where is the Iranian aid to Gaza?” says Republican lawmaker Scott Perry.

Democrats appreciate the President's efforts to support Israel while simultaneously addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

"I am pleased that the President ordered the delivery of aid and food by air, as well as the establishment of a port," said Democratic lawmaker Joaquin Castro.

Next week, in the House of Representatives, a vote on procedure is expected to take place trying to introduce the aid proposal into the work program.

Meanwhile, the Senate passed a last-minute budget on Friday to avoid a temporary shutdown of the federal government./ Voa