Catie Edmondson, a congressional correspondent for The New York Times, delves into the chaotic landscape of war funding in Washington. She discusses the internal rift within the Republican Party, with Speaker Mike Johnson opposing aid for Ukraine while pushing for support to Israel. The lingering impact of public skepticism on military expenditures is revealed, complicating legislative priorities. Edmondson highlights the potential consequences for U.S. allies and the political strategies needed amidst this contentious funding debate.
The delay in aid to Israel is a result of the larger political battle over funding Ukraine's war within the Republican Party.
Republicans are increasingly questioning the idea of American leadership and foreign intervention, leading to opposition to funding Ukraine.
Deep dives
Partisan divisions delay emergency aid to Israel
Despite a close alliance, Congress has yet to send emergency aid to Israel a month after the attack. Partisanship has played a role in the delay, with a heavily partisan bill for Israel funding introduced in the House being dead on arrival in the Senate. However, the delay in aid to Israel can be attributed to the larger political battle over funding Ukraine's war. President Biden tied the funding for both countries together in his speech, emphasizing the importance of aiding allies and standing up to tyrants and terrorists. However, funding Ukraine has become politically divisive among House Republicans, who see it as an unnecessary expense and are more focused on America's needs. The divide within the Republican Party complicates efforts to continue sending aid to Ukraine and has implications for Israel's aid as well.
Republican support for Ukraine funding wavers
The war in Ukraine has highlighted a growing trend among Republicans who question the idea of American leadership and foreign intervention. Former President Donald Trump's presidency reinforced the belief that American money should benefit Americans rather than foreign countries. Critical voices against funding Ukraine have grown louder among constituents, as they question the value of sending money abroad when there are pressing domestic issues. Lawmakers increasingly worry about the cost and effectiveness of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Political concerns and skepticism about the efficacy of Ukraine's counter-offensive have made funding for Ukraine politically toxic for many Republicans. The opposition to funding Ukraine does not extend to support for Israel, however, as lawmakers see Israel as a longtime ally and a different case altogether.
Mitch McConnell's push to support allies in Kyiv
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has emerged as a staunch advocate for continued aid to Ukraine. McConnell's support for funding Ukraine runs counter to the rising isolationist sentiment in his party, as he believes in a strong American military presence abroad and values global US leadership. He has traveled extensively to make the case for sending aid to Ukraine and has even challenged Republicans who oppose foreign intervention. McConnell's efforts in the Senate have led to rare bipartisan agreement on the importance of funding Ukraine, setting up a potential clash within the Republican Party. While McConnell's influence primarily lies in the Senate, his position amplifies the leverage the Senate holds in negotiating a compromise on legislation to fund both Ukraine and Israel.
It’s been one month since the attack on Israel, but Washington has yet to deliver an aid package to its closest ally. The reason has to do with a different ally, in a different war: Speaker Mike Johnson has opposed continued funding for Ukraine, and wants the issue separated from aid to Israel, setting up a clash between the House and Senate.
Catie Edmondson, who covers Congress for The Times, discusses the battle within the Republican Party over whether to keep funding Ukraine.
Guest: Catie Edmondson, a congressional correspondent for The New York Times.
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