White House to reduce Ukraine aid packages due to funding cuts
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White House spokesperson announces a reduction in aid packages to Ukraine after approving military aid bill to "Israel".
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White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre speaks during the daily briefing at the White House, Monday, Oct. 30, 2023, in Washington. (AP)
The US has begun sending smaller military aid packages to Ukraine in order to stretch out support, given a stalemate in Congress over Ukraine financing, according to the White House on Friday.
White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, told reporters that the United States intends to support Ukraine for as long as feasible while Congress debates further funding.
The cut in funds comes amid the passing of a new $14.3bn aid bill to "Israel", despite warnings against the bill. The Republican measure was approved by 226-196, including 12 Democrats and two rejected Republican votes.
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On that note, Senate leader Chuck Schumer slammed the House bill as "deeply flawed", adding that the upper chamber of Congress is not expected to pass it. Moreover, US President Joe Biden has vowed to veto the bill "should it ever land on his desk."
It was the new Republican House Speaker Mike Johnston's first major legislative plan, which included $4 billion for the Israeli Iron Dome system.
Republicans proposed slashing $14.3 billion in funds for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which is in charge of collecting US federal taxes, to balance the expense of aid to "Israel". However, the neutral Congressional Budget Office (CBO) stated that the proposed IRS funding cuts would result in less tax income and would increase the US deficit by roughly $12.5 billion over the next decade.
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On another note, the Russian military expert, Alexei Leonkov, considered that the United States, as always, will provide Ukraine with enough new laser-guided ammunition to test it on the battlefield, but enough to confront Russian forces.
This includes laser-guided missiles for use against Russian drones, additional ammunition for NASAMS anti-aircraft missile systems and HIMARS rocket launchers, as well as 105 and 155 mm cannons, TOW anti-tank missile systems, and Claymore anti-personnel mines. , light weapons, and dozens of trucks.
On that note, Ukraine's fears of a shift in American backing to "Israel" are growing, as the Israeli entity's aggression against the Gaza Strip continues, and the war in the Middle East escalates.
