October 06, 2023 Issue

Washington, D.C.: Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky at the U.S. Capitol on September 21 with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (left) and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (right). Zelensky is seeking $24 billion in U.S. military aid for his country’s war with Russia and appealed to members of Congress in closed door meetings. While President Joe Biden has expressed strong support, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy rejected Zelensky’s request to address a joint session of Congress, citing time constraints. Meanwhile a group of GOP lawmakers is pushing back against the proposed funding, placing Ukraine at the center of budget negotiations and adding to uncertainty about a deal to avoid a federal government shut down.