At a construction site near Dallas, there is anticipation for Congress to approve $95 billion in foreign aid, including funding for Ukraine, crucial for U.S. factory jobs.
President Biden emphasized that a significant portion of the aid would benefit U.S. factories producing military equipment.
However, House Speaker Mike Johnson has blocked the bill, citing a lack of focus on domestic needs.
“We want to increase our wages and increase our skill levels and job opportunities,” Mesquite’s director of economic development Kim Buttram said.
Biden argues that supporting Ukraine also supports American jobs, invoking the idea of the U.S. as the “arsenal of democracy.”
“While this bill sends military equipment to Ukraine,” Biden said, “it spends the money right here in the United States of America in places like Arizona, where the Patriot missiles are built; and Alabama, where the Javelin missiles are built; and Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Texas, where artillery shells are made.”
“The Republican-led House will not be jammed or forced into passing a foreign aid bill that was opposed by most Republican senators,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said. “It’s time for Washington to start showing some love to Americans.”
Opposition from former President Trump and some Republicans highlights differing views on foreign aid and defense spending.
The stalled bill aims to boost U.S. defense manufacturing and support allies like Ukraine, but faces challenges in Congress.
“This is about rebuilding the arsenal of democracy,” Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said, “and demonstrating to our allies and adversaries alike that we’re serious about exercising American strength.”
“I will never support any funding for Ukraine that does not include major measures of security at our own southern border,” Rep. Lance Gooden said.
“It’s about time they step up — don’t you think? — instead of going on a two-week vacation,” Biden said. “What are they thinking? My God, this is bizarre.”
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