White House budget director Shalanda Young has issued a cautionary letter to Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson and other congressional leaders, highlighting a looming shortage of both time and financial resources to support Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
President Joe Biden’s administration sought nearly $106 billion from Congress in October, aiming to finance expansive initiatives concerning Ukraine, Israel, and U.S. border security. However, as the year-end approaches, securing additional funds for Ukraine has become a contentious political issue, particularly among some right-leaning lawmakers who wield influence in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.
In the letter released by the White House, Young underscored the critical nature of sustained financial support and the provision of weaponry to Ukraine, emphasizing that discontinuing these efforts could heighten the risk of Russian successes on the battlefield.
“I want to be clear: without congressional action, by the end of the year, we will run out of resources to procure more weapons and equipment for Ukraine and to provide equipment from U.S. military stocks,” she wrote. “There is no magical pot of funding available to meet this moment. We are out of money — and nearly out of time.”
The letter serves as a plea for swift bipartisan action to address the urgent financial needs and ensure the continuity of U.S. support for Ukraine. The ongoing geopolitical significance of the conflict magnifies the importance of securing funds to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities against Russian forces. As debates unfold in Congress, the outcome will not only impact the immediate situation but also carry implications for the broader U.S. stance on international conflicts and assistance.
