The administration of US President Joe Biden has called on Congress to approve additional funding for Ukraine by May 19, stressing that it is critical to Washington’s ability to provide continued security assistance to Kiev.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin submitted the request in a joint letter to U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House minority leader Kevin McCarthy and the chairman of several key Congressional committees.
The letters, seen by Reuters, said Biden had only $100 million to withdraw in response to an emergency to allow the transfer of weapons that were surplus in U.S. stockpiles without congressional approval.
“We need your help. We expect this fund to run out by May 19, 2022 at the latest. If we are to continue our security assistance at the current pace, we will need additional allowances – including authorization for additional cuts – by this date.”
President Biden signed legislation allowing the loan or lease of equipment to Ukraine to facilitate the delivery of military equipment.
Democrats in the U.S. Congress, on the other hand, exceeded Biden’s $33 billion offer and offered a $39.8 billion aid package to Ukraine.
The proposal is expected to pass the House of Representatives and Senate quickly
