President Joe Biden has called on House Republicans, especially Speaker Kevin McCarthy, to honor their commitment to government funding and aid to Ukraine. This comes after Biden signed a bill that narrowly avoided a government shutdown. Speaking from the White House, Biden praised the deal that was reached just minutes before the funding deadline expired. He emphasized that the same last-minute negotiations should not be necessary for future deadlines to keep the government open.
Expressing his frustration with the brinksmanship involved in these negotiations, Biden urged House GOP leadership to pass yearlong appropriations bills in line with their previous agreement on raising the US debt ceiling. He specifically criticized McCarthy for proposing spending cuts that go beyond what was agreed upon. Additionally, Biden called on Republican leaders to follow through on their commitment to hold a standalone vote on funding for Ukraine as it faces a potential Russian invasion.
While acknowledging the lack of funding for Ukraine in the bill he signed, Biden stated that shutting down the government would have caused unnecessary pain to millions of Americans. He reassured Ukraine and US allies that American support remains unwavering. However, Biden refused to comment on the drama surrounding McCarthy’s speakership and expressed doubts about Republicans working swiftly to keep the government open past November 17.
In summary, President Biden’s message to House Republicans, particularly Speaker McCarthy, is to honor their promises on government funding and aid to Ukraine. He urged them to pass appropriations bills in line with previous agreements and to hold a separate vote on funding for Ukraine. While frustrated with the brinksmanship involved in recent negotiations, Biden emphasized the need to avoid unnecessary pain for Americans. However, he expressed skepticism about Republicans working efficiently to keep the government open in the future.
