Ukraine And Israel Urgently Need Military Aid From Congress

Sec of Defense Lloyd Austin during a House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Defense budget hearing Fiscal Year 2025 on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, April 17, 2024 in Washington. (AP Photo/John

Pentagon leaders have issued a stark warning to House appropriators regarding the critical need for military weapons for Ukraine and Israel, emphasizing the dire situation faced by both countries due to the delay in passing a funding package by Congress.

General CQ Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, highlighted the urgent need for munitions, vehicles, and platforms for Ukraine, stating that the country is currently outmatched by Russian forces and facing dire battlefield conditions.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin echoed Brown's concerns, emphasizing the importance of timely action, as Russia gains ground and poses challenges for Ukrainian forces in holding the line.

Senate passed $95 billion foreign aid bill in February, including funds for Ukraine and Israel.

General CQ Brown and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasize critical need for munitions and support.

President Biden urges prompt passage of aid package to support allies and provide humanitarian aid.

House Speaker Mike Johnson pushes for funding votes despite challenges within Republican caucus.

Concerns raised over gridlock delaying foreign aid, with warnings of Ukraine being outgunned by Russia.

The Senate passed a $95 billion foreign aid bill in February, which includes funding for Ukraine, Israel, and other allies, as well as humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza and Ukraine. The bill also includes replenishment funds for the U.S. military to replace weapons sent to Ukraine.

President Joe Biden has urged Congress to pass the aid package promptly, emphasizing the critical support it provides to Israel and Ukraine, as well as the much-needed humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza. Biden emphasized the importance of sending a message that the U.S. will not allow Iran or Russia to succeed.

House Speaker Mike Johnson is pushing for votes on the funding despite challenges within the Republican caucus. Lawmakers expressed concerns over the gridlock delaying foreign aid, with Gen. Christopher Cavoli warning that Ukraine could be significantly outgunned by Russia within weeks without U.S. assistance.

In addition to Ukraine, Israel is also in urgent need of support, particularly air defense interceptors and munitions following a recent attack by Iran. The funding issue has significant implications for the U.S. military and defense companies across 30 states, with the Pentagon already spending $2 billion on military operations in Europe and the Middle East to ensure security.

Without the supplemental funding, the Pentagon would need to reallocate funds from other areas, impacting forces and readiness. Defense leaders have emphasized that the funding bill will not only support allies but also benefit the American defense industry, creating jobs in more than 30 states.