President Biden and Bipartisan Leaders Work to Avert Shutdown, But Ukraine Aid Funding Remains Unresolved
President Joe Biden, alongside key Democrats and Republicans, endeavored to steer clear of a government shutdown, but discussions over funding for Ukraine’s defense persisted unresolved.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do,” remarked Biden as discussions commenced in the Oval Office, flanked by Vice President Kamala Harris and top congressional members. Despite initial uncertainties, optimism emerged later, with Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson affirming, “We will get the government funded.”
Nearly two months ago, Johnson and Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer had concurred on a $1.59 trillion spending level for the fiscal year starting October 1. However, internal discord within the Republican-controlled House obstructed the passage of funding bills, complicating matters.
Schumer described the meeting as among the most intense, highlighting Democrats’ fervent appeal to Johnson to greenlight funding for Ukraine. Johnson acknowledged the talks as “frank and honest,” reiterating his focus on addressing migration issues at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Biden expressed confidence in reaching a resolution before the Friday deadline, emphasizing the economic repercussions of a shutdown. Urgency mounted regarding Ukraine, with Biden underscoring the dire consequences of inaction.
The impasse stemmed from demands by ultra-conservative House Republicans for spending cuts and policy alterations. Schumer and Johnson traded blame over the stalemate, with Democrats striving to avert a shutdown.
Government funding for various agencies faces expiration, with the first batch set to lapse on Friday at midnight. Additionally, pressure mounts on the House to approve a $95 billion national security package supporting Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific.
As Ukraine commemorated the Russian invasion’s second anniversary, the White House escalated pressure on Johnson, emphasizing the imperative of prioritizing national security interests devoid of political maneuvering.
