United States’ (U.S.) Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin testified recently to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Biden’s request for $106 billion to fund ambitious plans for Ukraine, Israel and U.S. border security.
Arguing that supporting U.S. partners is vital to national security, Biden requested $61.4 billion for Ukraine, about half of which would be spent in the United States to replenish weapons stocks drained by previous support for Kyiv.
Further, Biden also asked for $14.3 billion for Israel, $9 billion for humanitarian relief including for Israel and Gaza, $13.6 billion for U.S. border security, $4 billion in military assistance and government financing to counter China’s regional efforts in Asia.
However, as the hearing began, a line of anti-war protesters raised red-stained hands in the air.
Capitol police later removed them from the room after shouted slogans including, “Ceasefire now!” “Protect the children of Gaza!” and “Stop funding genocide.”
It is to be noted that U.S. has already approved $113 billion for Ukraine since Russia invaded in February 2022.
The White House has said it has less than $5.5 billion in funds to continue transferring weapons from U.S. stockpiles to Ukrainian forces fighting Russia.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/
