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Biden administration issues stark warning about ability to support Ukraine’s fight against Russia amid row over continued funding
Good morning, US politics blog readers. In a new letter to Republican House speaker Mike Johnson, the Biden administration issued a stark warning about its ability to continue supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russia. “We are out of money – and nearly out of time,” top White House budget official Shalanda Young wrote. “Cutting off the flow of U.S. weapons and equipment will kneecap Ukraine on the battlefield, not only putting at risk the gains Ukraine has made, but increasing the likelihood of Russian military victories.”
While Joe Biden has long been a proponent of continued aid to Ukraine, in October, he proposed approving new funding alongside aid to Israel and funds to improve US border security. Republican and Democratic lawmakers have been holding talks on passing that package for weeks, and it’s unclear if an agreement is near. One obstacle the request faces is that a growing number of Republican lawmakers oppose new aid to Ukraine, even though many of their leaders, including Johnson and Mitch McConnell, the top GOP lawmaker in the Senate, say they’re in favor. We’ll see if the White House’s letter moves the needle at all.
You’ve heard of Bidenomics, now get ready for “MAGAnomics”. In a new memo, the White House uses the term to brand Republican efforts to weaken the Affordable Care Act. Expect to hear the line much more if Donald Trump becomes the Republican presidential nominee.
House Republicans are reportedly planning a vote to authorize their impeachment inquiry against Biden as soon as next week.
The White House press briefing will be at 1pm eastern time, and feature Karine Jean-Pierre alongside national security council spokesman John Kirby.
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