Pentagon leaders urged Congress to pass a funding package for Ukraine and Israel, stating that both countries urgently need military weapons to counter Russian and Iranian threats. The situation in Ukraine was described as dire, with Gen. CQ Brown emphasizing that the country was being outmatched by Russian forces on the battlefield. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned that time was of the essence, as Russia was gaining incremental advantages and Ukraine was struggling to hold the line. The lack of funding was hindering military assistance to Ukraine and Israel, putting them at risk and impacting the overall security situation in the region.
House Republicans were divided over the $95 billion foreign aid bill that had been passed by the Senate in February, which included funding for Ukraine, Israel, and humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza and Ukraine. Despite the disagreements within the Republican caucus, House Speaker Mike Johnson was pushing for votes on the funding package, risking his leadership position. President Joe Biden urged Congress to pass the aid, highlighting the critical support it would provide to allies and the humanitarian assistance it would offer to Palestinians in Gaza. Biden emphasized the need to counter the influence of Iran and Russia in the region.
Members of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee expressed concern over the gridlock that had stalled the foreign aid bill, but remained hopeful that progress would be made. Gen. Christopher Cavoli’s warning that Ukraine would be outgunned by Russia without US assistance underscored the urgency of the situation. Rep. Betty McCollum stressed the importance of approving the funding to prevent further civilian casualties in Ukraine. Israel’s need for air defense interceptors and munitions following Iran’s recent attack was also highlighted, with Israel vowing to retaliate while allies urged restraint.
The impact of the funding issue on the US military and defense companies was a key focus of the hearing. The Pentagon’s comptroller, Michael McCord, highlighted the $2 billion already spent on military operations in Europe and the Middle East to ensure security for troops and allies. Without supplemental funding, this cost would have to be absorbed by the base budget, affecting spending on facilities and equipment maintenance. Defense Secretary Austin reiterated that the funding bill would benefit the American defense industry, creating jobs in over 30 states and supporting the production of essential weapons and equipment. The Pentagon emphasized the importance of passing the funding package to maintain military readiness and support allies in the face of increasing threats.
Overall, the urgency of passing the funding package for Ukraine and Israel was stressed by Pentagon leaders, who warned of dire consequences if the assistance was not provided. The critical need for military weapons and support for both countries, in the face of Russian and Iranian threats, was underscored during the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee hearing. The ongoing gridlock within the Republican caucus over the foreign aid bill added to the urgency of the situation, with President Biden urging Congress to act swiftly. The impact of the funding issue on the US military, defense industry, and overall security situation in the region was a key concern, with efforts being made to address the challenges and move the legislation forward.
