Congress’ decision to keep money for Ukraine out of the newly enacted continuing resolution drew global attention as a blow to western political support for Ukraine.
But the debate over the CR was, in a sense, a warmup. The main event is yet to come: a congressional bout over one or more hefty installments of new Ukraine-related funding.
The debate over Ukraine funding in the CR was less than met the eye, because, as Pentagon officials acknowledged via email Monday, the Defense Department still has billions of dollars available to help Ukraine in the coming weeks. That comprises, first, authority to send nearly $5.4 billion worth of U.S. military equipment and services to Ukraine. It also includes $1.6 billion in appropriations to replace previously drawn-down U.S. equipment. And it includes an undisclosed additional amount of money that has yet to be spent for newly contracted defense goods and services for Ukraine.
