Speaker McCarthy's deal to limit Ukraine aid got him the vote: Reports
3 Min Read
This comes after Congress passed four emergency supplementals which come to a total of over $100 billion since the war in Ukraine broke out last February.
-
Newly elected Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (AP)
Kevin McCarthy, now upcoming Speaker of the House, reportedly nailed his job by limiting aid to be sent to Ukraine.
His Right-wing opponents from the chamber's Freedom Caucus, nicknamed the “Taliban 20”, justified their vote against him by demonstrating their opposition to aid sent by the US to Ukraine.
McCarthy, an ally of and advocated by former president Donald Trump, promised to "pass bills to fix the nation's challenges, from the wide open southern border to 'America last' energy policies, to woke indoctrination in our schools."
McCarthy wrote on his Twitter "The last-minute spending 'deal' was made by people who are on their way out the door. House Republicans won't support wasting your tax dollars on another massive spending blowout."
The last-minute spending "deal" was made by people who are on their way out the door.
— Kevin McCarthy (@SpeakerMcCarthy) December 14, 2022
House Republicans won't support wasting your tax dollars on another massive spending blowout. pic.twitter.com/HmRIHvInlw
A "very good" agreement
After suffering 15 rounds of votes, a first in US history, McCarthy reportedly agreed to soon pass a bill that would limit defense spending at 2022 financial year levels, amounting roughly to $1.47 trillion. This comes after Congress passed four emergency supplementals which come to a total of over $100 billion since the war in Ukraine broke out last February.
US President Joe Biden will require Congress' approval for any additional military aid this year after what seemed to be endless packages of aid last year. However, the most recent $45 billion package issued by Biden and agreed by Congress will not be affected as it took place before McCarthy's win.
One diplomat warned during an interview with CNN: “This is a harbinger for a protracted legislative paralysis," adding that "the Freedom Caucus – which is not particularly pro-Ukrainian – has just demonstrated its clout.”
Read more: McCarthy vows to dismiss Ilhan Omar over anti-Israeli remarks
Another lawmaker expressed worry about “the policy concessions McCarthy has to make, and if they are going to affect the US role in the world.”
In an attempt to brush off claims that the deal would threaten his power, McCarthy stated to reporters: "That gives me no problem or concern whatsoever," as he portrayed the deal as a "very good" agreement that "empowers the members".
The key to end the conflict
Leonid Slutsky, chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee on International Relations, considered that the election of Republican Kevin McCarthy as US House of Representatives Speaker is a good opportunity for Republicans to influence the end of the war in Ukraine, especially with enforcing control over defense spending.
"For the Republicans, who now have a majority in the House of Representatives and ‘their’ spokesperson, a good opportunity has opened up to influence the end of Ukraine and, indeed, a larger-scale conflict, though not for the sake of it. good of peace as such, but to win political points," Slutsky wrote on his Telegram channel.
"Let’s see if this is a campaign promise to voters who don’t understand where their money is being spent… Such oversight could open the eyes of those who voted to support the corrupt Kiev junta that seeks to perpetuate aggression," Slutsky added.
He underlined that Republicans now have a chance to block the uncontrolled flow of money, which will also reduce the enthusiasm of neo-Nazis.
