Staff Reports
Congress recently passed and the President signed a temporary spending plan that kicks the can down the road and avoids making tough decisions about funding for Ukraine and Israel. The issue at hand is how the United States should approach the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Democrats, led by Joe Biden, are pushing for the two conflicts to be linked together and funded as one package, with more funding going to Ukraine. On the other hand, Republicans want to separate the two conflicts and address each one discreetly.
President Biden signed a temporary spending bill a day before a potential government shutdown. https://t.co/WQcXbTmc0Y
— PBS NewsHour (@NewsHour) November 17, 2023
From a political standpoint, linking the issues makes it harder for opponents on either side to cut funding for both causes. Biden wants to ensure that Republicans can’t lower funding for Ukraine by tying it to Israel. However, this strategy is also an attempt to counter his own left flank, which has been tainted by antisemitism.
The problem with this approach is that it doesn’t address the underlying question: what is the United States’ end goal in Ukraine? Last year, Ukraine had some success against Russia, but the Biden administration failed to leverage this to end the war. Now, Ukraine is on the defensive and there’s no end in sight. It’s a war of attrition and Ukraine cannot afford to sustain it indefinitely. The US needs a clear strategy and goals for Ukraine, but there’s no evidence of that in the White House or the State Department.
On the other hand, Israel’s goals are clear: eliminate Hamas in Gaza, prevent their return, and ward off other regional threats. Congress should have no problem funding Israel, as the immediate goals are well-defined and there is a pressing need to protect civilians and American lives. Israel is an easier case to fund because it has clear parameters and end goals.
Congress should step in and demand answers from the White House. Without a coherent plan for Ukraine, there is no reason to continue funding it. Meanwhile, funding for Israel should be a no-brainer given the ongoing conflict and the immediate dangers involved. If Biden can present a sensible plan for Ukraine, then funding can continue. However, if the White House is just funding a losing battle, it’s a waste of resources and Congress should prioritize other causes. There is a need for clarity and strategy, and Congress should hold the administration accountable.
