Reactions to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s (44) speech to the US Congress show the divide between Republicans who want to continue financially supporting Ukraine’s fight against Russia and those who are increasingly critical of the billions in US aid money. The United States has already invested about $50 billion in the war in Ukraine. Another 45 billion will be passed on Friday.
“Is it enough? Not really,” Zelensky said. This caused some irritation in the Republican ranks. While Democrats gave Selenski a standing ovation, some Conservatives remained demonstrative, including Lauren Boebert, 36, Matt Gaetz, 40 ) and Jim Jordan (58).
Against “blank checks”
Critics of the extensive aid to Ukraine suspect, among other things, a lack of control over the use of the funds that are being discussed. Given the ever new commitments, they call the payments “blank checks”. Others point out that they prefer to use the money domestically.
“Not enough? what is enough I’ve had enough of this topic,” Republican MP Andy Biggs, 64, irritated on Twitter. the US is in crisis.” That is the definition of ‘America burden’,” says Gaetz, referring to former US President Donald Trump’s “America first” election promise (76). the applause for Selenski in Congress as “North Korea-esque theatre”.
Republican MP Marjorie Taylor Greene (48) stayed away from Zelenskiy’s speech in Congress. She had previously criticized the Ukrainian president’s visit to the US on Twitter. She also killed Democratic US President Joe Biden (80) by accusing him of being controlled by Selenski. “Of course the shadow president will come to Congress and explain why he needs billions of US tax dollars for the 51st state, Ukraine,” Taylor Greene wrote on Twitter. “That’s absurd. Put America first!”
Power shift in the House of Representatives
Victoria Spartz, 44, a Ukrainian-born Republican and congresswoman, says she thinks Republicans will continue to support Ukraine. At the same time, however, she joins other members of her party in calling for the Biden administration to be more accountable for how funds allocated by Congress are spent.
The fact that the House of Representatives will be controlled by Republicans next year has further exacerbated criticism of some conservatives over aid to Ukraine. Republicans will have a majority in the chamber with 222 seats over the 212 Democratic seats. The Senate is still led by Democrats. With Congress divided, spending next year is likely to be more difficult.
McCarthy under pressure
Selenski tried to take this into account. In an appeal to lawmakers on Wednesday, he said the aid to Ukraine was not charity, but “an investment in global security and democracy that we handle very responsibly.”
He was only able to convince MP Kevin McCarthy (57) to a limited extent. The Republican wants to be elected as the new Speaker of the House of Representatives and needs the votes of those party members who are critical of aid to Ukraine. “It was a really good speech,” McCarthy told CNN after Selenski’s visit. “He listed the reasons why the free world wants to continue to support his struggle. My position has never changed. I support Ukraine, but I will never give a blank check.”