In a press conference from the White House, President Joe Biden expressed a willingness to make “significant compromises” on border policy in exchange for crucial funding for Ukraine and Israel. This statement comes ahead of a Senate procedural vote on a $106 billion supplemental spending plan that Republicans plan to filibuster, citing disagreements on immigration policy.
Biden’s Call for Border System Fix
Acknowledging the broken state of the current border system, Biden emphasized the need for reforms. Despite Republicans’ insistence on extreme proposals related to border policy changes, the president underscored his commitment to addressing the issue.
Stakes Raised for Ukraine and International Allies
Biden elevated the stakes of the Senate vote, linking the outcome to the level of U.S. support for Ukraine and European allies, especially in the face of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions. The president warned against letting Putin win and emphasized the overwhelming national and international interest in supporting Ukraine.
Republican Opposition and Biden’s Response
Republicans, previously insisting on border policy changes as a condition for supporting Ukraine and Israel funding, faced pushback from Biden. The president characterized their proposal as extreme and criticized their decision to walk away from negotiations. Progressives, including members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, have resisted trading border policy for Biden’s foreign policy agenda.
Biden’s National Security Concerns
Biden framed the expected Republican opposition as a risky game with national security, dismissing it as “playing chicken.” He stressed the urgency of defending Ukraine now to prevent potential future interventions and emphasized the commitment to defending every inch of NATO territory.
Warning of Inaction’s Consequences
Biden reiterated the consequences of inaction on funding for Ukraine, warning that delays could severely impact Ukraine’s ability to resist Russian aggression. White House budget chief Shalanda Young had previously sent a letter to congressional leaders, cautioning that failing to act before the end of the year could “kneecap Ukraine on the battlefield.”
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