J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE/AP
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin argued before the Senate Appropriations Committee that the U. S. will promptly send aid to Israel and Ukraine at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, Oct. 31.
J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE/AP
Secretary of State Antony Blinken told the Senate Appropriations Committee that the U. S. will promptly send aid to Israel and Ukraine at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, Oct. 31.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation’s most sensible military and diplomatic leaders suggested Tuesday to an increasingly divided Congress that it send immediate aid to Israel and Ukraine, arguing at a Senate hearing that a broad distribution of that aid would signal U. S. strength in the face of adversaries around the world.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s testimony before the Senate Appropriations Committee comes as the administration’s request for $105 billion in emergency conflict aid in both countries hits roadblocks.
While there is a bipartisan proposal to help Ukraine and Israel in the Democratic-led Senate, that request faces deep turmoil in the Republican-led House of Representatives. New President Mike Johnson has proposed focusing only on Israel and drastically cutting investment for the Internal Revenue Service.
As divisions deepen in Congress, Blinken and Austin have warned that the consequences of failing Ukraine in its war against Russia and Israel in its retaliation against Hamas would be disastrous. Inaction, they claim, would threaten the security of the United States and the rest of the world.
“We are now at a point where many recognize that the United States is too divided or distracted at home to stay the course,” Blinken said. “That’s what’s at stake. “
Austin said that if the U. S. doesn’t take the lead, “the accusations and threats to the U. S. will only increase. We will have to give our friends, rivals or enemies any explanation as to why we doubt America’s resolve. “
President Joe Biden has called for $14. 3 billion for Israel, $61. 4 billion for Ukraine, $9. 1 billion for humanitarian efforts in Gaza and elsewhere, and $7. 4 billion for the Indo-Pacific, where the U. S. aims to counter China’s influence. Part of the Ukrainian investment would be used to supplement the national stockpile of weapons already supplied.
The White House has also asked for about $14 billion for the U. S. border. This money would be used to increase the number of border agents, install new fentanyl screening devices, and increase the number of staff tasked with processing asylum cases.
But the House is now looking to set aside much of Biden’s request and focus on a roughly $14. 5 billion program for Israel. The plan immediately met resistance from Senate Democrats, and highlighted Senate Republicans who help Ukraine but are aware. to develop considerations in this regard within his party.
Speaking before the Senate, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the House proposal “is obviously designed to divide Congress along partisan lines, not to bring us together. “He said he hoped Johnson would realise he had made a “serious mistake” and back down.
The two government secretaries argued that aid will have to be linked, as conflicts are interconnected. Blinken said helping Ukraine and Israel would be the U. S. position opposed to Iran, which is Hamas’ biggest backer.
“Since we cut off the Russian military’s classic means of supply, the Russian military has increasingly turned to Iran for help,” Blinken said. “In return, Moscow has provided Iran with increasingly complex military technology, posing a risk to Israel’s security. Allowing Russia to triumph with Iran’s will will embolden both Moscow and Tehran. “
Austin said the money would help Israel and Ukraine protect themselves from aggression and also fill U. S. reserves.
“In both Israel and Ukraine, democracies are fighting ruthless enemies bent on annihilating them,” Austin said. “We will let Hamas or Putin win. Today’s struggles against aggression and terrorism will define global security for years to come. “
Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray, D-Wash. , said at the start of the hearing that she and the panel’s top Republican, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, were drafting “strong bipartisan legislation” that would include aid to both countries.
“Make no mistake, we want to address all of those priorities as part of one package, because the truth is that all of those issues are interconnected and they’re all urgent,” Murray said.
Blinken and Austin were continuously interrupted by dozens of protesters in the room calling on Israel to end its bombardment of the Gaza Strip, and the hearing was suspended while protesters were escorted out. “Ceasefire now!” They screamed. ” Save the youth of Gaza!”
After the protesters were evicted, Blinken said he heard “the passions expressed in this room and outdoors. “He said the U. S. is committed to protecting civilian life, “but we all know we want to support our allies. “and partners when their security, when their democracies, are threatened. “
Some Republicans have expressed fear that humanitarian aid will end up in their hands. Tennessee Sen. Bill Hagerty called on Blinken to ensure that “not a penny” of taxpayer money goes to Hamas and terrorist activities.
Blinken said the U. S. has the ability to track aid. “So far, the overwhelming majority of aid goes to other people who want it, and we want more,” he said. “Desires are desperate. “
Despite growing questions about aid to Ukraine at the Republican conference, Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell has been a strong proponent of linking aid to Ukraine and Israel. He hosted Oksana Markarova, Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States, once in Kentucky on Monday and told the audience, “now is the time to act temporarily and decisively. “
Senate Republicans aiding Ukraine have doubts about the way forward. John Thune of South Dakota, the second-largest Republican in the Senate, said a significant number of Republicans “believe those are all important interests and national security priorities of the United States. “The combination is tricky, he said.
Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa said she needs Ukraine aid approved, and “I don’t care how it happens. “She said she was open to IRS cuts proposed in the House by Republicans for investment in Israel.
Senate Republicans who opposed increased aid to Ukraine supported the House’s approach. “We have a Republican majority in the House, we have the president,” said Florida Sen. Rick Scott.
Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley said he needs the U. S. to focus on the Pacific and Asia more than Ukraine, arguing that China poses a long-term threat. “We can do more in Ukraine or we can do what we want in the Pacific,” he said. ” he said.
To further complicate the package, a group of Senate Republicans struck down border security measures that would go beyond Biden’s request, in an effort to help the influx of immigrants.
Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, the most sensible Republican on the appropriations panel, favors tying aid to the two countries. But there is also a need for greater border security, he said. This genuine risk to our homeland will also have to be addressed. “Collins said.
The House is likely to pass its aid package for Israel by the end of the week. In an interview on Fox News on Tuesday, Johnson said he hoped “most, if not all” Democrats would join Republicans in voting in favor of the plan. He said he would call Schumer to talk about it.
“It’s a question of intelligence versus evil,” Johnson said.
Blinken rushed to Johnson’s home after his Senate testimony, in an effort to offer a combined aid package to the new president, according to State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.
The secretary simply said on his way out that “it was a very smart meeting. I’m grateful for the opportunity. “
Associated Press writers Kevin Freking, Stephen Groves, Lisa Mascaro, Tara Copp and Matthew Lee contributed to this report.
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