GOP Lawmakers Block Biden Security Aid to Ukraine, Israel and Indo-Pacific; Press for More Border Funding
In a move that critics are calling irresponsible and reckless, Republican lawmakers have managed to block President Joe Biden’s security aid to Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific region. The withheld funds are intended to bolster U.S. support of critical allies in the region. Simultaneously, the same GOP lawmakers are pressing for increased funding for the U.S.-Mexican border.
The Biden administration was hoping to provide $700 million in military and security help to Ukraine, Israel, and Southeast Asia countries. These funds are part of the annual security assistance package and are intended to be used for anti-terrorism, counter-intelligence, and cybersecurity. However, the $700 million is a small fraction of the full package’s estimated cost of $7.6 billion.
Republican legislators have denounced the aid as ‘wrong-headed’ and ‘making promises we can’t keep’. They have pointed out that America’s well-being and security should be prioritized over overseas needs. The GOP has therefore leveraged the withholding of security aid to Ukraine, Israel and Indo-Pacific nations in order to get more funding for the U.S.-Mexico border wall.
The Democrats have taken issue with this position, arguing that it displays a reckless disregard for the principle of global security and puts America’s security alliances at risk. They are also quick to point out that the funding for the wall is far beyond the annual budget for the security aid package, and reducing it would have a heavy impact on America’s global presence.
The Biden administration has refused to entertain the notion of providing more border funding unless the security aid to the aforementioned regions is restored. It is estimated that negotiations on the matter are likely to continue for some time, as both sides remain hardline in defense of their positions.
This is yet another issue that reveals the deep divide between the two major parties in the US, with debates raging on both national and international levels. Whilst the GOP insists on prioritizing homeland security over global security, the Democrats have refused to budge on their stance of not providing border funding until the security assistance package is reinstated. Only time will tell which side will ultimately come out victorious.