Staff Reports
According to a senior House Republican lawmaker, there simply aren’t enough Republican votes to provide Ukraine with more aid. Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky is set to make his case for increased aid during a visit to the Capitol building later this week. President Joe Biden has requested $24 billion in military and economic assistance for Ukraine. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner (R-OH) has expressed optimism about Zelensky’s ability to convince reluctant Republicans to support additional aid, but not everyone is convinced.
One GOP lawmaker jokingly dismissed Turner’s remarks, suggesting that they were as unlikely as Turner’s “pet unicorn” having offspring. The lawmaker also emphatically stated that there are not enough votes within the Republican conference to support any Ukraine funding. While Zelensky seeks more aid from American taxpayers, Ukraine itself is dealing with its own corruption scandal, resulting in the firing of six deputy defense ministers.
Rep Mike Turner is a RINO and Marxist Dem tool who should lose his Chairmanship: #TheGreatAmericaShow
Senior House GOP Lawmaker: Not Enough Votes in House Republican Conference for Ukraine Aid https://t.co/DfpRIOotKG— Lou Dobbs (@LouDobbs) September 19, 2023
In the midst of this debate, Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) has chosen not to hold a one-on-one meeting with Zelensky. The cost of the proposed aid to Ukraine is a concern for some analysts. Richard Stern from the Heritage Foundation’s budget center has estimated that it would amount to $1,100 per household. This raises questions about the financial burden on American taxpayers, especially considering that a significant percentage of Americans lack the funds to cover even a $400 emergency expense.
Furthermore, it’s worth noting that Biden has promised a one-time $700 payment per household to survivors of the Maui fires, which is less than the aid currently being given to Ukraine. A recent CNN poll indicates that a majority of Americans, 55 percent to be exact, believe that Congress should not provide additional aid to Ukraine. These numbers suggest that there is a growing skepticism among the American public about the necessity and priorities of such spending.
Overall, it seems clear that the issue of Ukraine aid is far from settled within the Republican conference. The high cost, coupled with concerns about American citizens’ financial well-being, has made it difficult to gain enough support for additional assistance. While Zelensky’s persuasive abilities may be commendable, it remains to be seen whether they will be enough to convince the hesitant Republicans to change their stance.
