Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has reported that Senate leaders from both parties have come to an agreement regarding the provision of additional military and financial assistance for Ukraine. These comments were made by the Senate majority leader on September 7 after a closed-door briefing on the Russia-Ukraine war. Schumer emphasized the need to continue significant aid to Ukraine after the briefing, stating that turning back now would have disastrous consequences for Ukraine and for U.S. foreign policy.
Schumer’s statements were supported by a social media post from Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who also expressed the importance of standing with Ukraine against Russian aggression. McConnell highlighted the benefits of supporting Ukraine, stating that it is a direct investment in replenishing America’s arsenal and strengthening its defense industrial base to compete with China.
White House spokesperson Andrew Bates responded to a report by Punchbowl News, which claimed that House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) is considering separating funding for Ukraine from other urgent priorities. Bates urged McCarthy to keep his word about government funding and address pressing issues, such as fentanyl, national security, and disaster response, rather than cave to extreme members of his conference.
The Epoch Times’s sister media NTD interviewed several senators to gather their opinions on the aid to Ukraine. Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) expressed her priority for disaster aid within the United States but affirmed the need to play a role in helping Europe deal with Russia’s advance into Ukraine.
Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) reiterated his stance against voting for more funding for Ukraine until the United States secures its own borders. He expressed frustration with what he perceived as corruption in Ukraine and the lack of commitment from European countries to provide the promised financial support. Marshall emphasized the need to prioritize domestic issues before extending assistance overseas.
In conclusion, Schumer’s statement and McConnell’s support underscore the bipartisan support for providing aid to Ukraine. However, senators like Lummis and Marshall express differing opinions on the prioritization of this aid and the focus on domestic concerns.