Ukraine security assistance fund empty after temporary spending approval.
The Pentagon urged Congress to renew funding for Ukraine this week, saying that they cannot support the country’s defense against Russia for much longer without Congressional approval.
Congress passed temporary funding for U.S. government programs just hours before funding ran out this past Saturday, extending the deadline for a full 2024 budget until November 17. Congress did not pass continued funding for Ukrainian aid programs and President Biden’s administration is pressuring Congress to pass an additional aid package to renew that funding.
The Pentagon can take from Defense Department stocks meant for U.S. defense, but there is no money left in the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, the funding pool that allowed the Pentagon to purchase weapons for Ukraine directly from weapons manufacturers.
“We have seen bipartisan support for Ukraine in Congress and we urge members of Congress to keep their commitment to the people of Ukraine and secure the passage of support needed to help Ukraine at this critical moment,” Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh said at a press briefing.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Lloyd Austin as he heads the Defense Department.
- For Pentagon officials as they advocate for additional aid for Ukraine.
- For members of the House as they consider whom to select as Speaker.
Sources: Reuters, The Hill
