Staff Reports
Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky stated that he would not support a short-term funding bill that includes money for Ukraine. As the government nears a potential shutdown, Congress is trying to come up with a deal that would keep the government running until September 30. One of the issues that is currently being debated is whether or not Joe Biden's request for additional aid for Ukraine should also be included in the package.
In his speech on the Senate floor and in his op-ed, Paul made it clear that he would not support a spending bill that includes money for Ukraine. He noted that the US has already spent over $111 billion on aid to Ukraine, and there is no end in sight to this situation. He said that the country is now becoming an endless mess that is being funded by the American taxpayers.
He also stated that if the aid was included in the continuing resolution, it would be a clear dereliction of responsibility on the part of the American people. He believes that the US should not be involved in a perpetual war in Ukraine. Instead of supporting a bill that includes money for the country, Paul would work to prevent it from being passed.
He also criticized the corruption in Ukraine, pointing out the recent firing of officials within the country's Ministry of Defense. This issue supports his position on not supporting additional aid for Ukraine.
Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader of the Senate, has stated that he supports providing additional aid to Ukraine. However, Chuck Schumer, the Democratic leader of the Senate, has not ruled out the possibility of attaching the aid to a continuing resolution. Kevin McCarthy, the House Speaker, also supports providing additional aid for Ukraine but prefers to have it in a standalone bill.
Paul opposes any legislation that includes money for Ukraine in its short-term funding package. He believes that the US shouldn't be involved in a perpetual war, and the American people shouldn't be held hostage to fund it. As the government nears its deadline for a potential shutdown, Congress is still debating whether or not to include Joe Biden's request for $24 billion in additional aid for Ukraine in the continuing resolution.
