After the failed referendum, the opportunity for new Ukrainian aid in the US Congress was lost

WASHINGTON, Dec. 7 (Reuters) – Leaders of the U.S. Senate vowed on Thursday to keep trying to reach an agreement to provide billions of dollars in new defense aid to Ukraine, but faced a lack of uncertainty about immediate action after Republicans blocked a foreign defense assistance bill.

Senate Republicans voted unanimously on Wednesday to block an emergency spending bill that provides $110.5 billion in funds for Ukraine, Israel and other security needs, bolstering their demand for more control of the travel through the US-Mexico border.

The result, which was expected, threatened the effort of Democratic President Joe Biden to provide new aid before the end of 2023. It came after the Democrats and Republicans negotiated for weeks to add policy changes to the defense bill to get enough Republican votes to pass. .

Those talks broke down last Friday, and emotions were so high that a special meeting of the Senate on Ukraine on Tuesday erupted into an uphill battle in which many Republicans attacked .

“There are only two ways forward to break the logjam. The Republicans can take us up on a revised offer or we can restart negotiations,” the leader said. Democratic Senator, Chuck Schumer, as he opened the chamber on Thursday.

By mid-November, the US Defense Department had used 97% of the $62.3 billion in additional funds it had received for Ukraine and the State Department had used both $4.7 billion in aid. Military funding was given to help Kyiv during the war with Russia. attacks, US budget director Shalanda Young said this week.

If Congress does not find new money to buy replacements, the US, Ukraine and the arms manufacturers may have to take other steps to replenish supplies.

REVIEW OF SPEECH OF CONSTITUTIONAL CONSTITUTION

Senator Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader, reiterated that the Democrats are serious about border security, but he hoped for an agreement.

“Hopefully, the Senate can now see a new opportunity to make real progress on legislation that prioritizes national security at home and abroad,” McConnell said. in the Senate.

Senator Chris Murphy, who has been a key adviser on the immigration debate with Republicans, said the two sides will meet on Thursday. “We need more constructive ideas from Republicans that can get Democratic votes. I’m willing to listen.”

Lawmakers say Congress shouldn’t go on a Christmas break in mid-December without any legislation in place.

“It would not be legal for our Republican colleagues to decide that they will go home to celebrate the holidays, when our friends continue to be involved in wars that are directly related to the security of the America,” the top House Democrat, Hakeem Jeffries. , said in his weekly press conference.

The Democratic-backed emergency spending bill provides $50 billion in new defense assistance for Ukraine, as well as humanitarian and economic aid funds for the government in Kyiv, plus $14 billions for Israel while fighting Hamas in Gaza.

The emergency spending bill also included $20 billion for border security, but Republicans say the influx of illegal immigrants along the southern border with Mexico is a major security concern that should be addressed. dealing with remote rules.

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