US House Speaker Prioritizes Border Reform Over Ukraine Aid, Stalling Funding
The future of Ukraine aid hangs in the balance as the US House Speaker makes border security a non-negotiable condition. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said in a letter to the White House on Tuesday that any supplemental funding to Ukraine is “dependent” on “transformative change.” This stance signals a significant shift in the debate over foreign aid, intertwining national security concerns at home with international obligations.
US House Speaker Mike Johnson has held private meetings with Republicans on a new bipartisan foreign aid package, particularly for Ukraine, which includes proposed stipulations regarding immigration reform. While the need for continued support for Ukraine is widely acknowledged, a growing faction within the Republican party, led by Speaker Johnson, insists that addressing the ongoing crisis at the US-Mexico border takes precedence.
The US House speaker insisted Tuesday that his Republican-controlled chamber would not move on aid for Ukraine without immigration reform, as high-stakes talks continue. This firm position underscores the political complexities surrounding the issue, with both sides digging in on their respective priorities. The Biden administration faces the challenge of finding common ground to secure vital assistance for Ukraine while addressing Republican demands on border security.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) - U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson met with President Joe Biden at the White House on Tuesday, after which he said he still believes border security must be addressed before any further aid is allocated to Ukraine. The meeting, though intended to foster compromise, appears to have solidified the Speaker's resolve on the issue.
The intertwining of these two critical issues – Ukraine aid and border security – has created a political stalemate. WashingtonHouse Speaker Kevin McCarthy said lawmakers wanting more funding for Ukraine will have to give in on border security funding. The priority for me is ensuring the safety and security of the American people, which, according to Speaker Johnson and many Republicans, necessitates immediate and substantial border reform.
House Speaker Mike Johnson tells fellow Republicans that sweeping changes to U.S. border policy will be their “hill to die on” in negotiations over President Joe Biden’s requests for aid to Ukraine. This uncompromising stance highlights the deeply divided political landscape and the significant challenges facing both parties in finding a resolution that satisfies their respective constituencies. The future of Ukraine aid remains uncertain as long as the border security issue remains unresolved.