Staff Reports
The White House is making moves, people! President Joe Biden has extended an invitation to the top dogs of Congress to come and chat about a national security funding request that’s been stuck in the mud for months. The request? A hefty $106 billion for various security needs, including the war in Ukraine, assistance for Israel and Taiwan, and border security. But there’s a snag, folks. The House isn’t too keen on the chunk of change earmarked for Ukraine, and that’s put the kibosh on the whole shebang.
Biden to host congressional leaders at White House to unlock deal on Ukraine https://t.co/6uveEhWQLP https://t.co/6uveEhWQLP
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) January 16, 2024
Senate bigwigs thought they had a trick up their sleeve to shake loose the aid by linking it to border policy changes, but Speaker Mike Johnson is standing firm, saying no dice unless the House’s border bill, H.R. 2, is part of the deal. The White House ain’t having it, though, calling the House bill a nonstarter. It’s like a game of political chicken, folks!
So, what’s the plan now, you ask? Well, the White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, announced that a meeting is going down on Wednesday, and it’s all about finding a way forward on government funding. We’re talking high-stakes negotiations, people!
Speaker Johnson isn’t letting grass grow under his feet, though. He’s already reached a spending deal with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and agreed to keep the government’s lights on into March to allow more time for the pow-wows. But, dang it, the Ukraine funding is still the pestiest fly in the ointment, causing a fuss because some conservatives are questioning the whole enchilada. They’re scratching their heads, wondering why we’re still playing pattycake with Russia without a clear exit strategy. Someone pass the Tylenol!
